Juicy Secrets About The Stalled ‘Gladiator’ Sequel

Published on April 28, 2018

Released back in 2000, Gladiator was a major box office hit, and it introduced the world to Russell Crowe. For nearly 20 years, ideas were pitched for the sequel, but nothing has come out of it… yet. We look at a few tidbits surrounding this yet to be released film.

Holding Out For A Hero

In order to make a proper sequel, they would need a hero. At the end of Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius dies from a stab wound to the back. Since this was based off real events in the Roman Empire, the studio was at a standstill at what to do next.

Keep On Spinning

While Ridley Scott was working on the sequel, Dreamworks came up with an idea. The studio wanted to make a spinoff solely about Lucius Verus. Ridley was on the fence about this, but he would only agree under one condition. He wanted to reveal that Lucius was actually the child of Maximus and Lucilla.

Past And Present Collide

One plan for Russell Crowe to return was to make the next Gladiator film a prequel. On the DVD release of the film, Scott laid out a possible plan for Maximus’ revival. He wanted the next film to be similar to The Godfather Part II. Crowe would be playing Maximus pre-Gladiator while Lucius is adventuring 15 years since Maximus’ death.

Knocking On Heaven’s Door

Another way to bring Russell Crowe back would be for Maximus to finally accept death. While discussing a possible sequel, the actor did research on the Romans’ perception of the afterlife. It turns out the Romans understood the importance of life after death. The sequel could’ve focused on the grieving process of those closest to him.

Rise From Your Grave

Singer Nick Cave wanted to bring Maximus back to life in a bizarre way. In a script for Gladiator II, he wanted a fully revived Maximus to time travel to fight in the Vietnam War and World War II. Thankfully, Crowe didn’t want anything to do with it. The full script is available online for those that want to check it out.