Russell Crowe addresses huge rumour about Gladiator sequel

Twenty-three years after the original film stormed the box office, the Gladiator sequel is finally under way – and Russell Crowe has revealed whether or not he’s in it.

Gladiator star Russell Crowe has opened up about the blockbuster’s long-awaited sequel, confirming which original character will return to the screen.

The 2000 film stormed the box office and the awards circuit, with talk of a follow-up film swirling over the past five years.

Finally, casting is now under way, with production set to begin later this year.

But appearing on Nova FM’s Fitzy and Wippa on Friday, Crowe, 58, quashed speculation that his character, Maximus, would appear in Gladiator 2.

After telling the radio hosts he was “not at all” involved, he added that he had met with director Ridley Scott to discuss it.

“We’ve had dinner and talked about it all, so I know roughly how he’s shaping the story,” Crowe said.

Stream more entertainment news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only >

Crowe as Maximus in the original film back in 2000. Picture: Universal/Getty Images

The actor confirmed he won’t be in the sequel. Picture: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

He then confirmed reports that the young boy in the original, Lucius Verus – son of Roman Empress Lucilla – would provide the link between the two films.

“You remember there was the young kid who wanted to meet the gladiator, which leads to my ‘My name is …’ speech,” he said. “That young kid has grown up and he is now the Emperor.

“I don’t know what else happens at that point, but that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake, and it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like it’s the day after, it’s 30 years later – and then the [new] situation arises.”

Lucius Verus.

Crowe’s character died at the end of Gladiator, and was seen being reunited with his murdered wife and son in the afterlife.

The actor’s latest comments follow a report in Deadline that Normal People actor Paul Mescal is currently in negotiations to headline the Gladiator sequel.

Paul Mescal with Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones. Picture: Stan

Earlier this month, a source told The Sun that it had appeared the long-awaited film “may never see the light of day”.

“But suddenly late last year the production team really sprung into life after settling on a new script which seemed to inspire them,” the source told the publication.

“A few months later everything was up and running and now it’s well under way.

“They should be filming by May, which means there’s every chance the movie will be ready some time in 2024.

“Either way, this would be a huge box office draw. It’s one of the biggest action films of its era and was a massive hit. People have been asking Ridley about a follow-up for years, so there’s clearly a massive appetite for it.”

The original Gladiator raked in a whopping $665 million at the box office, and attracted critical acclaim, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Originally published as Russell Crowe addresses huge rumour about Gladiator sequel