Yahoo Movies Ridley Scott explains why he didn’t call Russell Crowe for Gladiator 2
Gladiator II director Ridley Scott has opened up about why he chose not to consult with Russell Crowe for the forthcoming sequel.
Crowe famously played Maximus Decimus Meridius in the original 2000 Gladiator film, a role which earned him the Best Actor Oscar at the 2001 Academy Awards.
Despite heroically defeating the villainous Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in an epic Colosseum showdown, Meridius later tragically dies from his injuries sustained from the fight.
In a new interview with Empire magazine, director Ridley Scott cites Meridius's death as one reason why he didn't chat with Crowe on the follow-up film - which arrives in UK cinemas on November 15.
Related: Russell Crowe denies Gladiator 2 return rumours
"The plot, frankly, was right under our noses," he says of Gladiator II. "I think it was so close under our noses that we thought it was too simple.
"I think he's [Russell Crowe] still one of the best actors in the world, and I think we have a good relationship," he continues. "I hope we do. As long as he doesn't start bitching about how he wasn't consulted. Why would I? He's dead!"
Gladiator 2 centres on Paul Mescal's Lucius, the youngest son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen's noblewoman from the original movie).
Related: How Gladiator 2 connects to the original movie
Set a few decades after Gladiator, the sequel sees Lucius now of age and estranged from his mother, having been sent away to the North African region of Numidia as a child, far away from the Roman Empire.
The film begins in Numidia, with Lucius enjoying a relatively easy life with his wife and child. However, his peaceful livelihood is swiftly shattered as the Romans continue their descent in North Africa, with conquerors from his homeland encroaching.
The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal plays Roman general Acacius, acting on orders from co-emperors Geta and Caracalla (respectively played by Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn and The White Lotus' Fred Hechinger)
Additional cast members include Denzel Washington - as a former slave turned wealthy merchant - and a returning Derek Jacobi, who is back as Senator Gracchus.
Gladiator 2 is released in UK cinemas on November 17.
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