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Russell Crowe's Maximus In Gladiator 2 Would Be A Huge Mistake
Gladiator 2 is finally happening, but using the film to bring back Russell Crowe's Maximus would be a huge mistake. Legacy sequels often have a tendency to bring characters back from previous films, and while that works most of the time, bringing Maximus back could absolutely ruin Gladiator 2. Russell Crowe was the star of the original Gladiator, with the film being marketed on his name, but that doesn't mean he has to return for the next film in the franchise. Although it seems likely that Russell Crowe's character will make an appearance in Ridley Scott's upcoming sequel, Gladiator 2 needs to stay as far away from Maximus as possible.
Gladiator, first released in 2000, tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman military official that is forced into slavery after a coup that is put on by the Emperor's son, Commodus. Maximus' family is killed and he is forced to fight his way back up the social ladder, with the exiled Roman soldier deciding to become a gladiator. Gladiator was a massive box office and critical success, with it being one of the most popular films from the year it was released. Because of this, it's surprising that a sequel took over two decades to get announced. However, Gladiator 2 is finally happening - and it doesn't need Maximus.
Gladiator Ended Maximus' Story Perfectly
Maximus is the most iconic character from Gladiator, and rightly so. The character and his arc are done masterfully by director Ridley Scott, with Maximus being one of the most tragic action film protagonists of all time. After the death of his wife and child, Maximus' main focus is revenge, dedicating himself to avenging his family by killing Commodus. The lengths Maximus goes to get back to the top are immense, but he eventually does it, killing Commodus. However, Commodus grievously injures Maximus, with Gladiator ending on a beautiful scene of Maximus, finally at peace, reuniting with his family in the afterlife.
Maximus' is solely motivated by vengeance for his family and the grief that comes with their loss. At the end of Gladiator, Maximus is finally happy for the first time in years, having achieved his life's mission and having reunited with his wife and son. There is nothing more to tell with Maximus' story, and bringing him back for Gladiator 2 would ruin this finality. Maximus ended Gladiator at peace, and bringing him back for Gladiator 2 would not only hurt the sequel, but it would also retroactively hurt the original film. It is because he is a great character with a perfect ending that Maximus needs to stay buried.
Maximus In Gladiator 2 Would Detract From Lucius' Story
Instead of focusing on Maximus, Gladiator 2 is set to center on a character named Lucius - and having Maximus appear would distract from his story. Gladiator 2 will feature actor Paul Mescal playing an adult version of Lucius, the young nephew of Emperor Commodus from the original Gladiator. In the film, Lucius is a minor character, although he was set to become the emperor after the death of Commodus. It isn't known what Lucius' story will be in Gladiator 2, but Ridley Scott wouldn't be making the film if he didn't have a good idea.
Lucius will have to receive a lot of character development in Gladiator 2 in order to work, and bringing Maximus back would only make that harder. An appearance from Maximus would only cause viewers to think of the old film, pulling them out of the sequel that takes place decades later. While Lucius and Maximus briefly interact, they weren't close, meaning that a cameo from Maximus would feel wedged in. It seems as if having Maximus appear in Gladiator 2 would only hurt the sequel, distracting from the new story centered around Lucius.
Why Maximus Might Return For Gladiator 2
Despite it being a bad idea, it seems likely that Maximus will return for Gladiator 2. Lucius became a fan of Maximus in the original Gladiator, meaning that Russell Crowe's character could appear in a flashback or dream sequence. While this seems a bit contrived, it is better than literally bringing Maximus back from the dead. Despite Russell Crowe's involvement with the film not being officially announced, he has been pretty vocal about the sequel, making his involvement with Gladiator 2 seem more likely. Although Russell Crowe is a big part of the series, Gladiator 2 needs to stay away from Maximus.
