We can confirm that Russell Crowe does not return as Maximus in Gladiator 2 – at least not in new footage. The sequel's opening credits recap the events of the first movie, rendered in a gorgeous, painted style, while the movie does feature flashbacks that include Maximus as his legacy is a major aspect of the plot.

While undoubtedly entertaining, the sequel feels like a duplicate of the original which sacrifices characterisation for ambitious set pieces.

Ridley Scott has revealed that Russell Crowe was left unimpressed by Gladiator co-star Joaquin Phoenix. The filmmaker, who has returned to direct a sequel 24 years after the original was released, shared the revelation ahead of question marks surrounding Phoenix’s professional conduct.

Gladiator II has finally been released, with the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 film following the journey of Maximus' son Lucius, but does Russell Crowe return as Maximus?

It has been 24 years since Ridley Scott gave the world a glimpse of the Roman Empire in Gladiator. The film over the years has attained cult status and is lauded by one and all.