GLADIATOR became an instant classic when it was released way back in 2000. The epic historical film grossed a mind-blowing £380million and is regularly touted as one of the greatest movies of all time. Now, 23 years after the original, the trailer for the long-awaited sequel, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal , has dropped online.
The film, released on November 22, sees the Normal People star as Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Neilson) returning to Rome after growing up in exile in Africa. The original blockbuster movie boasted an incredible cast, led by Russell Crowe , now 60, who took home the 2001 Best Actor Oscar for his role as Maximus Decimus Meridius. It is not thought the iconic hero will make an appearance in the movie, in flashback scenes, after Russell recently said he was "slightly uncomfortable" with the sequel but had "no say" in the production because his character is dead.
Here we take a look at what the actor and his co-stars have been up to in the years since Gladiator. The New Zealand born star has enjoyed a hugely successful career since Gladiator - arguably the role that made his career. It could have been very different, as Mel Gibson was offered the part first, but turned it down.
Russell has since won a string of awards including a Bafta, Golden Globes, and a Screen Actor's Guild gong. His most successful movies include A Beautiful Mind, American Gangster and Les Miserables, where he surprised many with his singing abilities. Russel.