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It’s an undeniable truth universally acknowledged: Ridley Scott has made some of the greatest films of all time. Think about it—Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise—these cinematic masterpieces have left indelible marks on the fabric of culture. And this maestro isn’t resting on his laurels. Despite decades of brilliance, Scott shows no signs of slowing down. After last year’s Oscar-nominatedNapoleon, he is once again back in the director’s chair.

Yes, you guessed it—we are referring toGladiator 2. Fans have been clamoring for this sequel for what feels like an eternity, and Scott is promising it’s worth the wait. But of course, there’s a pinch of drama—Russell Crowe, who won an Oscar for his performance in the first film, has earlier expressed his jealousy over his absence from this sequel!
Ridley Scott ThinksGladiator 2is His Best Work Yet?
Yes,Ridley Scottdidn’t hold back in declaring thatGladiator 2is one of his finest works—he’s practically throwing down the gauntlet for movie buffs. The director, 86, is no stranger to pushing the envelope, and with this eagerly awaited sequel toGladiator(2000), he’s rolling up his sleeves and diving back into the Colosseum’s chaos.
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During his recent interview withEmpire, Scott confessed:
It’s the best thing I’ve ever made.
And he wasn’t about to stop there—he quickly added:
One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ’uns.
With this declaration, he’s not just blowing smoke; he’s aiming high, placingGladiator 2on the same pedestal as his iconic hits. According to Scott, this film promises “full-bore, brutal action”that could very well rival, if not surpass, the originalGladiator. After all, the project has been a labor of love spanning over two decades, steering throughdevelopmenthurdles and delays.

So, Scott’s enthusiasm has been nothing short of contagious, even though it’s been a bumpy ride. The sequel, which has had its share of missteps—including a trailer launchmet with ridiculefor its ill-fitting rap soundtrack—is now riding high on anticipation.
Early whispers from those who’ve had a peek suggestGladiator 2is not just a good sequel but a potential Oscar contender.Deadlinehas labeled it “fantastic” and “Oscar-worthy,” and with positive test screenings adding fuel to the fire, the excitement is tangible.

In the midst of this fanfare, it’s hard not to wonder how Russell Crowe, the original Maximus Decimus Meridius, feels about this forthcoming sequel.
Russell Crowe Might Be Upset About Ridley Scott’s Comments onGladiator 2
Ridley Scott’s grand proclamation thatGladiator 2is like adding fuel to the fire forRussell Crowe, who’s nursed a hefty dose of “jealousy” for not being part of the sequel. The director’s enthusiasm might be music to some ears, but for Crowe, it’s like rubbing salt in a wound.
TheGladiatoractor earlier admitted to feeling “slightly uncomfortable” about the sequel. He toldKyle Meredith With…:

I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact that they’re making another one, you know?
Crowe confessed, reflecting on his character’s untimely demise and the subsequent plot developments:

A couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘No, no, no. That’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’ But you know, I can’t say anything.
He further reflected back on the significant impact ofGladiatoron his career, acknowledging that it opened many doors and set the stage for his subsequent successes. The actor added:
So there’s definitely a tinge — and this is just being purely honest — a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy. Because I remember when I had tendons.
The “tinge of melancholy” and “jealousy” he mentioned mirror his nostalgia for his role and a sense of loss over not being part of the new chapter.
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AsGladiator 2gears up for its grand premiere on August 21, 2025, withPaul Mescalstepping in as Lucius Verus, alongside a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Connie Nielsen, the stakes are higher than ever.
Gladiatoris currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.