The Historical Epic That Russell Crowe Heavily Criticized Is a Shock Streaming Hit

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Tim McInnerny as Thraex in Gladiator II.

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More than two decades after Gladiator defined the modern historical epic, Gladiator II has found an unexpected second life on streaming — even as its very existence continues to spark controversy. The sequel, directed once again by Ridley Scott, stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger. But while audiences are clearly still curious about a return to the Colosseum, the film’s original star is… not exactly cheering from the sidelines.

Speaking recently with Australia’s Triple J, Russell Crowe took aim at the sequel, calling it a cautionary tale about misunderstanding what made the 2000 original resonate in the first place. “I think the recent sequel that, you know, we don’t have to name out loud is a really unfortunate example of even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made the first one special," said Crowe. "It wasn’t the pomp. It wasn’t the circumstance. It wasn’t the action. It was the moral core."

According to Crowe, keeping Maximus morally intact wasn’t a passive process. It was a daily battle.

“The thing is, there was a daily fight on that set. It was a daily fight to keep that moral core of the character. The amount of times they suggested sex scenes and stuff like that for Maximus, it’s like you’re taking away his power.”

Crowe explained that studio-driven attempts to make Maximus more traditionally “blockbuster-friendly” would have completely undermined the character’s foundation.

“So you’re saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was fucking this other girl? What are you talking about? It’s crazy.”

Is 'Gladiator II' Worth Watching?

Collider’s review of the movie stated that Gladiator II was an ambitious but uneven sequel that expanded Ridley Scott’s Roman world while struggling to escape the shadow of the original. The film broadened its scope through political intrigue, backroom manipulation, and a larger ensemble, with Denzel Washington delivering a scene-stealing, Shakespearean performance and Connie Nielsen given richer material than before. However, Paul Mescal’s Lucius was burdened by a storyline that too closely mirrored Maximus’ arc, making comparisons unavoidable. While Scott still impressed with scale, spectacle, and moments of twisted grandeur, uneven CGI and heavy callbacks undercut the sequel’s ability to fully stand on its own.

"Gladiator II can't live up to the lofty expectations Gladiator set up, yet the sequel is at its best when it tries to carve its own path in this Roman world. Maybe the action would be as enthralling as the political aspects if it didn't also feel like a rehash of what we'd seen back in 2000. This incredible cast, especially Washington, Nielsen, and the overlooked Pascal, and this expansion of the compelling political machinations make Gladiator II a worthwhile sequel, even if it can't match its predecessor. Gladiator II will leave you entertained, but leave you with an unfortunate feeling of déjà vu."

Gladiator II is streaming now on Paramount+.