Russell Crowe reveals that he is “not involved” in ‘Gladiator 2’

nme.com:

Gladiator 2, but wishes lead actor Paul Mescal “the best of luck.”The Academy award winner starred in the iconic 2000 film as Maximus – an ex-Greek  general sold into slavery after his family was murdered, who sought revenge against the emperor who killed them.Fans have speculated that Maximus will return to the film in a flashback, even though he died in the original movie.

The new film follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus and his lover Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). It is set to be released in 2024.The Pope’s Exorcist  actor revealed on The Ryan Turbidy Show that he is not involved in the sequel, since it “is long beyond Maximus’ passing.”“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,” Crowe explained. “It’s an extension of the narrative, but it is long beyond Maximus’ passing, so it doesn’t really involve me at all.”The actor added that he thinks it’s a “smart idea” to pick up from Lucius being a young adult ready to take on the role of emperor.“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 admitted.Crowe jokingly added that he doesn’t “want to dwell too much” on the film that premiered over 20 years ago because “he was significantly younger” and “the rose-colored glasses of that experience now are perfectly crystallised.”“I look back on it and I loved every minute of it, and that wasn’t actually the case at the time,” the actor reflected. “I do like being on a period movie set.