Gladiator II entered the box office arena Nov. 22, and theatergoers gave it a thumbs-up, with a global haul of $368.6 million to date. The sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, son of the Roman general Maximus and heir to an emperor, who through a twist of fate is enslaved as a gladiator. Director Ridley Scott told THR before the film’s release that it’s “the best thing I’ve ever made,” which is no small claim — its predecessor captured five Oscars in 2001.
Russell Crowe starred in the original as Maximus Meridius, whom Emperor Marcus Aurelius chooses as his successor, charged with returning the empire’s power to its people. But when Aurelius informs his son, Commodus (a sniveling Joaquin Phoenix), the latter murders his father before the decision is made public. Commodus then orders the execution of Maximus and his wife and child. The general rushes home from battle, but finds only the bodies of his family. In a weakened state, he is captured and eventually brought to the Colosseum to fight as a gladiator. There, he seizes the opportunity to avenge his family and fulfill Aurelius’ final wish.
Producer Doug Wick told THR after the film’s 2000 release that the production team first inquired whether Mel Gibson was available to star, but ultimately decided on Crowe, perhaps best known at the time for his turn in L.A. Confidential. “We knew we needed someone who had the screen presence to carry a movie,” Wick said, “someone with extraordinary physicality and who could project a kind of idealism. And we also felt that having Ridley Scott re-create the second century Roman arena would be a reason for audiences to attend. We felt we didn’t need a star to bring them in.”
That initial hunch proved correct, with Gladiator earning $465.5 million worldwide ($853.3 million today). Crowe, who had been Oscar nominated the year before for The Insider, would win best actor, with the film also taking trophies for costume desgin, sound, visual effects and picture.
This story first appeared in a December stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
