Ridley Scott , director of the iconic film ‘ Gladiator (76%) ‘ (2000), has revealed fascinating details about an original idea for the sequel that never came to fruition. In a recent interview, Scott shared his vision for a ‘ Gladiator 2 ‘ that included supernatural elements, a radical departure from the historical focus of the original film.
How was Maximus going to be resurrected in ‘Gladiator 2’?
The first Gladiator film starred Maximus Decimus Meridius ( Russell Crowe ) as a betrayed Roman general seeking revenge and justice. The film concluded with an emotional scene in which Maximus is reunited with his family in the afterlife after defeating Emperor Commodus ( Joaquin Phoenix ). The film was a smash hit, grossing $451.7 million worldwide and winning several Oscars, including Best Picture.
Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator’ (image: Universal Pictures)
Despite the success, Scott considered bringing Maximus back in a sequel, but not in the conventional way. Instead of continuing the historical narrative, Scott proposed a supernatural take on the sequel. His idea included Maximus returning from the dead in an epic, spiritual context. Scott described the premise to Empire as follows (via Cinemablend ):
I thought of a very comic book idea. If we found out in the blood and war that a dying warrior becomes the portal for Maximus to return from the dead, how about that?
Scott’s plan was to open the film with Maximus and other deceased waiting on the banks of the River Styx, before being led into the afterlife by Charon. This approach, which was a drastic departure from the historical tone of the original film, was considered too radical by producers and studio executives. Scott explained that his proposal was rejected because it was too far removed from what had made Gladiator a success.
Pedro Pascal in ‘Gladiator 2’ (image: Empire)
The movie we will see: Gladiator 2
Although the supernatural vision didn’t pan out, ‘Gladiator 2’ is gearing up for a November release. This sequel, set 20 years after the events of the first film, focuses on Lucio Vero (Paul Mescal), the young man from the original film, and will feature the return of Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi, as well as the addition of Denzel.
Though Scott’s idea never came to fruition, anticipation for the new installment is high, promising a cross-generational epic that pays homage to the legacy of the first film while exploring new dimensions.
