Russell Crowe tried to return as Maximus for 'Gladiator II': "I want to come back from the dead"

It was an open secret and, with the release of 'Gladiator II', it became clear that Russell Crowe was not going to return as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a role he played in the original more than 20 years ago and which earned him an Oscar. However, it was not because the actor did not try to return. In fact, he sought the formula together with Ridley Scott, but as is well known by all, the idea did not come to fruition.

The director, during an interview with People magazine, says that Crowe was enthusiastic about getting back into the skin of the gladiator who, despite the death of his character in the original, contributed several ideas to make the return make sense.

"I had Nick Cave write the script and I kept saying to Russell Crowe 'but you're dead'. And he was like, 'I know I'm dead, but I want to come back from the dead,'" Ridley Scott reveals in the publication. However, the ideas they considered did not go ahead.

The incredible ideas for the script of 'Gladiator II' with Russell Crowe

For example, it was thought that Maximus would be resurrected and forced to travel through time from the Roman Empire to fight historical battles such as the Crusades or some wars such as Vietnam. However, this idea did not come to fruition and Crowe himself knew that his story as a gladiator was over.

"I think he's still one of the best actors in the world and I think we have a good relationship. I hope so, as long as he doesn't start complaining that I didn't consult him. Why would I? He's dead," Ridley Scott told Empire magazine.

Over time, Crowe himself seems to accept the idea that his time as Maximus Decimus Meridius is over. In fact, he said on the podcast 'Kyle Meredith With...' that he had nothing to contribute to the sequel: "I have nothing to say, it's not my place. I'm six feet under."