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Gladiator producers confirm a controversial actor was almost cast as Russell Crowe

Before audiences worldwide were entertained by Russell Crowe’s performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius in gladiatorthe role almost went to another Max – Mel Gibson, the star of Crazy Max.

According to THR, that is gladiator first the production team Mel Gibson was considered for the lead rolegiven his status as a major star and his acclaimed performance in Brave heart. Both Brave heart And gladiator are epic period films centered on warrior leaders, which is why Gibson was a natural choice at the time. The role of Maximus ultimately went to Crowe, who was best known for his appearances in The Role of Maximus before being cast LA Confidential and as the villain in the film Denzel Washington virtuosity.

The Gladiator team initially considered Mad Max and Lethal Weapon star Mel Gibson for the role of Maximus in Ridley Scott's epic.

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Gibson has received widespread praise for his work as an actor and filmmaker, but is also known for his controversy. He was blacklisted in Hollywood for a while, but has since returned to film. After his role in the John Wick Spinoff series The ContinentalGibson plans to direct Deadly weapon 5 as well as a sequel to The Passion of Christ. However, Gibson’s biggest controversies followed the release of gladiatorSo that wasn’t the reason why he didn’t get this role.

Why did the Gladiator producers change their minds?

Doug Wick, one of the main producers of gladiatorHe explained: “We knew we needed someone who had the screen presence to carry a film.” He added: “Someone with extraordinary physicality who could exude a kind of idealism.” And we also felt that Ridley Scott’s recreation of the second-century Roman arena would be a reason for audience participation. We felt we didn’t need a star to win it.” Crowe won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as Maximus gladiator.

We felt we didn’t need a star to bring her in. We felt we didn’t need a star to bring her in.

gladiator Upon its release in 2000, the film was met with critical acclaim, earning praise for its epic storytelling, stunning visuals, and Crowe’s powerful performance as Maximus. The film thrilled audiences around the world, grossing over $460 million worldwide and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Decades later, his lasting legacy led to a sequel. Gladiator 2Directed by Ridley Scott. The film features a notable cast including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal and has already grossed over $400 million worldwide, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring appeal and cultural impact.

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gladiator tells 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 takes the throne. As Maximus rises through the ranks of gladiators, he plots 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, revenge and honor won a total of five Oscars, including Best Picture.

Gladiator 2 is currently in theaters and Scott has publicly announced his intention to direct a third installment gladiatorclaims to have already developed ideas for this Gladiator 3with Mescal’s character.

Source: THR

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