Movies
Russel Crowe says he’s jealous of the upcoming ‘Gladiator’ sequel
The former ‘Gladiator’ star is jealous of the new film being produced this year.
Russel Crowe recently sat down to discuss his latest horror film, The Pope’s Exorcist, and shared his thoughts on Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington joining the cast on the sequel that is set to release on November 22, 2024.
“The only thing that I really feel about it is slightly jealous, you know?” he told Collider when asked about the project.
“Because I was a much younger man, obviously, and it was a huge experience in my life. It’s something that changed my life, really. It changed the way people regarded me and what I do for a living.”
Gladiator’s previous success
After winning an Oscar for his performance as Maximus, it’s no surprise that the legendary actor is feeling a twinge of jealousy for the new stars who will embark on recreating the atmosphere of epic and violent Roman times.
“I’ve been very lucky to be involved in lots of big movies,” Crowe said, “but the legs on that film are incredible. Here it is, it’s 2023, and we made that film in 1999.
‘Gladiator’, the 2000 blockbuster, gained a lot of traction and earnings with over $450 million in box office sales.
“I guarantee you, somewhere around the world tonight, ‘Gladiator’ is going to be showing on primetime TV,” he added.
The star said, “You don’t always get that kind of longevity with every film you do, so, it obviously holds a special place in my heart.”
Set in Roman times, ‘Gladiator’ followed Crowe’s Maximus, a Roman military officer who is reduced to slavery after Emperor Marcus Aurelius is murdered for the throne by his son, Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus.
He becomes a gladiator to avenge Aurelius’ death. During their big battle, both Maximus and Commodus perish. The film also starred Connie Nielsen, Giannina Facio, Oliver Reed, and Richard Harris.
We’re not sure what the sequel will entail beyond the reunion of Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott, a pair that’s sure to provide. Other stars include Paul Mescal in the role of Lucius and Barry Keoghan in the role of Emperor Geta.