Is Russell Crowe involved in ‘Gladiator 2′?

With news that there will be a sequel to the 2000 hit ‘Gladiator’, fans have been wondering if the original star Russell Crowe will be part of the project.

Is Russell Crowe part of ‘Gladiator 2′?

Crowe won Best Actor at the 73rd Academy Awards for his role as Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 Ridley Scott film.

The movie, which also won Best Picture, grossed over $500 million worldwide despite trouble during its production.

Following years of speculation as to whether there will be a sequel to the movie, plans are finally moving forward, with Scott returning to direct the film and Paul Mescal starring as Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

However, don’t expect to see Crowe in the film, as he told ‘The Ryan Turbidy Show’ that he won’t be part of the sequel.

“I’m sure at some point in time they’ll want to ask me about something, but they haven’t brought anything up in a while,” said Crowe.

“It’s an extension of the narrative, but it is long beyond Maximus’ passing, so it doesn’t really involve me at all.”

He added: “That young fella Paul is a good dude and I wish him the best of luck with it.

“I think where they’re picking the story up from, a young Lucius, stepping into the role of emperor. I think that’s a very smart idea within the world of the film that we created.”

Crowe looks back on Gladiator experience

The original film saw Maximus (Crowe) sold into slavery after his family is murdered following a coup by Caesar Marcus Aurelius’ own son, Commodus (Phoenix).

Driven by vengeance, Maximus uses his expertise to rise through the ranks of Rome’s gladiatorial industry, before coming face to face with Emperor Commodus.

The film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five, and Crowe added that some of the same people who worked on the original will also work on the sequel.

“I already know designers and leather workers making the armor and things like that,” said Crowe.

“I don’t want to dwell on it too much because it does take me back to a period of time when obviously I was significantly younger. And you know, the rose-colored glasses of that experience now are perfectly crystallized.

“I look back on it and I loved every minute of it, and that wasn’t actually the case at the time. I do like being on a period movie set. Stepping into those sorts of costumes and those sorts of situations and stuff, it has great appeal to me.”