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Ridley Scott has revealed why he didn't speak with Russell Crowe for the upcoming Gladiator sequel, Gladiator II.
Crowe starred in the first film as Maximus Decimus Meridius, the general who escaped an assassination attempt by the villainous Commodus and became a gladiator.
After returning to Rome, Maximus had to push back against the machinations of Commodus, culminating in him restoring Rome as emperor Marcus Aurelius had wished.
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Now, the upcoming sequel will see Lucius Verus, who appeared in the first film as a child, as the protagonist.
Paul Mescal of Normal People will take on the starring role of Lucius, who is forced into slavery when Roman forces invade Numidia - a historic kingdom which was in modern day Algeria and parts of Tunisia and Libya.
Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal will depart from his 'gruff man unwillingly escorts child and becomes fond of them' roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us to play antagonistic Roman general Marcus Acacius.
But a notable absence from the film is Russell Crowe's Maximus, but director Ridley Scott gave a rather blunt reason for his not being involved.
Fans of Gladiator may recall that Maximus dies from his wounds after killing Commodus in single combat in the Colosseum.
I'd say spoilers but Gladiator came out 24 years ago, so you've had more than enough time.
So, given that Maximus is not only dead, but made the supreme sacrifice to save Rome, Scott was clear that bringing him back was out of the question.
Speaking about not consulting Crowe over the movie, Scott Empire magazine: "I think he's still one of the best actors in the world, and I think we have a good relationship. I hope we do.
"As long as he doesn't start b*tching about how he wasn't consulted. Why would I? He's dead!"
However, there will be members of the cast reprising their roles from the first movie.
These include Connie Nielson as Lucilla, Lucius' mother, and Sir Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus.
From what we know so far, we can expect plenty of gladiatorial brawling and gore as Mescal and Pascal meet, after the obligatory rubbing sand on their hands.
As for Scott's feelings about the sequel, he wasn't subtle about his confidence in the movie, calling it 'the best thing I’ve ever made'.
Coming from the director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise, not to mention Gladiator itself, that's no small feat.
Scott wryly acknowledged this to Empire, adding: "One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ’uns."
