Gladiator II The film hit the box office stage on November 22, and the audience praised it. The global box office has so far reached 368.6 million US dollars. The sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Roman general Maximus and heir to the emperor, but through a twist of fate, he was enslaved as a gladiator. Director Ridley Scott told THR Before the film was released, it was hailed as “the best movie I’ve ever made,” which is no small thing – its predecessor won five Oscars in 2001.
Russell Crowe stars in the original film as Maximus Meridius, the man chosen by Emperor Marcus Aurelius to be his successor, tasked with returning the power of the empire to the people. But when Aurelius informs his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Commodus murders his father before he decides to go public. Commodus then ordered the execution of Maximus, his wife and children. The general rushed home from the battlefield, only to find the bodies of his family members. In a weakened state, he was captured and eventually taken to the Roman Colosseum to fight as a gladiator. There, he seizes the opportunity to avenge his family and fulfill Aurelius’ last wish.
Producer Doug Wick told THR After the film’s release in 2000, the production team first asked Mel Gibson if he could star, but ultimately decided on Crowe, who was perhaps best known for his role at the time. L.A. Confidential. “We knew we needed someone who could bring a movie to the screen,” Wick said, “someone who had extraordinary physical attributes and could project some idealism. We also thought that having Ridley Scott recreate A second-century Roman Colosseum would be a reason for people to watch, and we felt we didn’t need stars to bring them in.
It turns out that the initial hunch was correct Gladiator Global revenue was $465.5 million (currently $853.3 million). Crowe had been nominated for an Oscar the previous year insiderwill win Best Actor, and the film also takes home trophies for costume design, sound, visual effects and graphics.
This story first appeared in the December Independence issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
