Russell Crowe hasn't held back his disappointment with the recentGladiatorsequel, delivering a scathing critique of the film's core values. The actor, who catapulted to fame with the original 2000 epic, expressed his concerns in a candid interview on Australian radio.
Crowe stated the sequel fundamentally missed the essence of what made the first film so impactful. He didn’t mince words, suggesting those involved didn’t grasp the crucial element that resonated with audiences: a strong moral compass.
“It wasn’t the pomp, it wasn’t the circumstance, it wasn’t the action,” Crowe explained. “It was the moral core.” He emphasized that maintaining this ethical foundation was a constant battle during the making of the originalGladiator.
The actor revealed a “daily fight” on set to protect Maximus’s integrity, recalling numerous suggestions for scenes that would have compromised his character. He felt these additions would diminish Maximus’s power and contradict the profound love for his wife that fueled his quest for vengeance.
Specifically, Crowe took issue with the sequel’s revelation of a past affair between Maximus and Lucilla, the mother of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal. He argued this contradicted the established narrative of Maximus’s unwavering devotion to his late wife and his drive for retribution.
Crowe wasn’t alone in his assessment. He shared stories of European fans approaching him to express their disappointment, echoing his own concerns about the direction the sequel took. He playfully deflected blame, stating, “Hey, it wasn’t me! I didn’t do it.”
Online reaction to Crowe’s comments has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many agreeing the sequel felt hollow compared to the original. Fans described it as a “hollow shell” and a film that failed to live up to its predecessor.
Despite the sequel’s commercial success – grossing $462 million and receiving Oscar nominations – Crowe’s critique highlights a fundamental difference in artistic vision. He had previously expressed discomfort with the project, even requesting the media stop questioning him about it.
Crowe’s frustration stemmed not from jealousy, but from a deep connection to the character and the story he helped bring to life. He acknowledged a “tinge of jealousy” for the opportunity it represented, but ultimately maintained his distance from a project he felt strayed from the original’s heart.
The sequel, starring Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington alongside returning cast member Connie Nielsen, attempted a bold return to the world ofGladiator. However, as one review noted, it ultimately fell short of the original’s monumental achievement.
