"It’s crazy": Russell Crowe slams Gladiator II, claims it didn't understand "what made that first one special"

Russell Crowe has solidified himself as a true icon, thanks to several standout performances over his expansive career. While the actor has never been one for the spotlight when it comes to his off-screen life, he has also never shied away from sharing his opinion.

In the most recent news about the Gladiator star, Russell Crowe recently sat down with Australian radio station Triple J for a conversation about his career. When the topic of the sequel to his original epic Gladiator II came up, which the actor was not a part of, he was candid about his thoughts.

Trending

“The recent sequel that we don’t have to name out loud is a really good example of, even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made that first one special. It wasn’t the pomp. It wasn’t the circumstance. It wasn’t the action. It was the moral core.”

Russell Crowe would then add:

“And the thing is, there was a daily fight on that set. It was a daily fight to keep that moral core of the character. The amount of times that they suggested s*x scenes and stuff like that for Maximus — it’s like, you’re taking away his power. So you’re saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was f*cking this other girl? What are you talking about? It’s crazy.”

It is clear Crowe was not impressed with the follow-up to his classic film and was ready to have his feelings on the matter made abundantly clear.

Russell Crowe’s recent Triple J radio interview, more

While Russell Crowe began by giving his thoughts on the sequel’s shortcomings, he would add that the fans he encountered felt the same way. Apparently, it was unable to draw out the same level of enthusiasm as the first, and strangers apparently would let Crowe know how they felt about it:

“The women in Europe, when that movie started coming out, I would be at a restaurant, and they’d come talk to me [and complain]. It’s like, ‘Hey, it wasn’t me! I didn’t do it.'”

The actor then went on to voice his displeasure with the number of questions regarding the sequel he received from members of the press:

“They should be f*cking paying me for the amount of questions I am asked about a film I am not even in. It has nothing to do with me. In that world, I am dead. Six feet under. But I do admit to a certain tinge of jealousy, because it reminds me of when I was younger and what it meant for me, in my life.”

Russell Crowe won an Academy Award for his performance in the first film, and regardless of the second film’s success, his performance as Maximus will likely be the franchise’s lasting legacy.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment