Before audiences worldwide were entertained by Russell Crowe’s performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator, the role nearly went to another Max—Mel Gibson, the star of Mad Max.
According to THR, the Gladiator production team initially considered Mel Gibson for the lead role, given his status as a huge star and his acclaimed performance in Braveheart. Both Braveheart and Gladiator are epic period films centered on warrior leaders, making Gibson a natural choice at the time. The role of Maximus ultimately went to Crowe, who, prior to being cast, was best known for his performances in L.A. Confidential and as the villain in the Denzel Washington film Virtuosity.
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Gibson has garnered high praise for his work as an actor and filmmaker, but he is also known for his controversies. For a period of time, he was blacklisted from Hollywood, though he has since made his way back to film. After his role in the John Wick spinoff series The Continental, Gibson is planning to direct Lethal Weapon 5 as well as a sequel to The Passion of the Christ. However, Gibson’s biggest controversies followed the release of Gladiator, so that wasn’t why he didn’t land that role.
Why Did The Gladiator Producers Change Their Minds?
Doug Wick, one of the lead producers of Gladiator, explained, “We knew we needed someone who had the screen presence to carry a movie.” He added, “Someone with extraordinary physicality who could project a kind of idealism. And we also felt that having Ridley Scott re-create the second-century Roman arena would be a reason for audiences to attend. We felt we didn’t need a star to bring them in.” Crowe would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Maximus in Gladiator.
We felt we didn’t need a star to bring them inWe felt we didn’t need a star to bring them in.
Gladiator was met with widespread acclaim upon its release in 2000, earning praise for its epic storytelling, stunning visuals, and Crowe’s powerful performance as Maximus. It captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over $460 million at the global box office and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Decades later, its enduring legacy led to a sequel, Gladiator 2, directed by Ridley Scott. The film features a notable cast, including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, and has already earned over $400 million globally, proving the franchise’s lasting appeal and cultural impact.
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Gladiator follows the story of Maximus, a betrayed Roman general who is enslaved and forced to become a gladiator after the emperor’s ambitious son, Commodus, murders his father and seizes the throne. As Maximus rises through the gladiatorial ranks, he plots his revenge against Commodus and fights to restore justice to Rome. Directed by Scott, the film stars Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as the treacherous Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Oliver Reed as Proximo, and Richard Harris as Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This epic tale of betrayal, vengeance, and honor won five Academy Awards total, including Best Picture.
Gladiator 2 is currently playing in theaters, and Scott has publicly announced his intention to direct a third Gladiator, claiming to have already developed ideas for Gladiator 3, with Mescal’s character.
Source: THR
- Director
-
Ridley Scott
- Release Date
-
May 5, 2000
- Cast
-
Russell Crowe
, Joaquin Phoenix
, Connie Nielsen
, Oliver Reed
, Richard Harris
, Derek Jacobi
, Djimon Hounsou
, David Schofield
, John Shrapnel
, Tomas Arana
, Ralf Moeller
, Spencer Treat Clark
, David Hemmings
, Tommy Flanagan
, Sven-Ole Thorsen
, Omid Djalili
, Nicholas McGaughey
, Chris Kell
, Tony Curran
, Mark Lewis
, John Quinn
, Alun Raglan
, David Bailie
, Chick Allan
, David J. Nicholls
, Al Hunter Ashton
, Billy Dowd
, Giannina Facio
, Giorgio Cantarini - Writers
-
David Franzoni
, John Logan
, William Nicholson - Character(s)
-
Maximus Meridius
, Emperor Commodus
, Lucilla
, Proximo
, Marcus Aurelius
, Gracchus
, Juba
, Falco
, Gaius
, Quintus
, Hagen
, Lucius
, Cassius
, Cicero
, Tigris
, Slave Trader
, Praetorian Officer
, Scribe
, Assassin #1
, Assassin #2
, Valerius
, Praetorian Guard #1
, Engineer
, German Leader
, Giant Man
, Rome Trainer #1
, Narrator
, Maximus’ Wife
, Maximus’ Son - Runtime
-
155 minutes
- Main Genre
-
Adventure
- Story By
-
David Franzoni
- Budget
-
$103 million
- Studio(s)
-
DreamWorks Distribution
, Universal Pictures
, Scott Free Productions
, Red Wagon Entertainment - Distributor(s)
-
DreamWorks Distribution
, Universal Pictures
