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Russell Crowe may have started his acting career back in the mid-1980s by performing in musicals, but the one role that landed him true recognition was none other than his Oscar-winning role of Maximus inGladiator. And yet, when it came to making the sequelGladiator 2, filmmaker Ridley Scott seemingly didn’t quite choose to call the actor for the same.
Starring Paul Mescal in the lead, this sequel is set in the timeline years after Crowe’s character faces [SPOILER ALERT FORGLADIATOR] his death at the hands of Commodus. That said, the Oscar-nominated director chose not to call the 60-year-old actor regarding making his appearance in this installment, and is now hoping that the latter doesn’t start“b-tching”about the same!
Ridley Scott Hopes Russell Crowe Doesn’t B-tch AboutGladiator 2
Since it was none other than the master actorRussell Crowewho brought the famous Gladiator Maximus to life, there had been buzz and speculation about whether the actor could reappear in the sequel as well. At the very least, he could have been consulted for this upcoming second installment in the film series. But in the eyes of the director, that hardly seems to be the case.
As it turns out, in this upcoming movie starringPaul Mescalin the lead as Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who strives to return the glory of Rome to its people after Maximus’ death at the hands of Commodus, Crowe seemingly had zero involvement. Instead, filmmakerRidley Scottchose not to include him and is now hoping Crowe doesn’t go around“b-tching”about the same.
“Another one and that water is muddied…”: Russell Crowe’s One Act of Pilgrimage to Commemorate His ‘Gladiator’ Role Explains Why He Couldn’t Get on Board With Gladiator 2
That’s not all; Scott even has a pretty good reason why he chose to do so. As he confessed in an exclusive interview with Empire while talking about Crowe and his involvement in the sequel (via@DiscussingFilm on X):
I think we have a good relationship. I hope we do. As long as he doesn’t start b-tching about how he wasn’t consulted. Why would I? He’s dead!
For the record, the mastermind filmmaker, who perfectly knows his way of twisting and playing with words, was talking abouttheRobin Hoodstar’scharacter Maximus when he said that“he’s dead.”Nonetheless, fans are having some of the most hilarious reactions to this sarcastic comment as they do Scott with even better responses.
Fans React to Ridley Scott’s “He’s dead!” Comment
While choosing not to have him involved with the sequel was one thing, Scott going around justifyinghis actionsby reasoning with a“why would I? He’s dead!”comment seems to have brought forward fans’ goofier side. To say the least, they are having some of the most ironic reactions as they respond to the filmmaker’s playful words with even wittier responses.
Here’s what some of them have to say about the same on X:
We had a great working relationship; it’s just that, ya know, his character died!”Savage. Well done, sir.
*By dead, Ridley Scott means Maximus…pic.twitter.com/wd5U8YoAQl
As long as he doesn’t start bitching about how he wasn’t consulted. Why would I? He’s dead!”Nah somebody check on Russelpic.twitter.com/BmarCURdZi
If Ridley ever did a comedy it would be the best ever made…
OMG… He’s dead? That was savage. Justice for General Maximus 😂😭💪🏾🤣pic.twitter.com/rnJVufLoCj
almost had a heart attack thinking that Russell Crowe died and this was how I found out
“He could f**k sh*t up”: Paul Mescal’s Tall Claims on Who’d Win in a Real Fight Between Him and Pedro Pascal Will Get Fans Riled Up For Their Gladiator 2 Battle
Putting it in a nutshell, it’s truly hilarious how Ridley Scott’s decision to leave Russell Crowe out of theGladiatorsequelhas sparked such a reaction from fans. To say the least, fans haven’t quite disappointed as Scott’s reasoning about Crowe’s character being dead has been met with witty reactions from fans who are poking fun at the situation.
Gladiator IIis set to hit the screens on August 14, 2025.
Mahin Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2478
Mahin Sultan is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, where she brings a fresh perspective to entertainment news. Having been in the field for over 3 years now, she has already written more than 2,000 articles across a variety of niches, from entertainment to health and fashion. This diverse experience has allowed her to quickly build a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the industry.
