Box office success and Oscar legacy

Gladiator II hit the box office on November 22 and has been given the thumbs up by moviegoers, with a global gross of $368.6 million to date. The sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, son of the Roman general Maximus and heir to the emperor, who is enslaved as a gladiator by a play of fate. Director Ridley Scott said THR before the film’s release that it was “the best thing I’ve ever done”, which is no small claim – its predecessor won five Oscars in 2001.

In the original, Russell Crowe played Maximus Meridius, who is chosen by Emperor Marcus Aurelius as his successor, tasked with returning the power of the empire to his people. But when Aurelius informs his son Commodus (a snotty Joaquin Phoenix), he kills his father before the decision can be announced. Commodus then orders the execution of Maximus and his wife and child. The general rushes home from battle, but finds only the bodies of his family. In a weakened state, he is captured and eventually brought to the Colosseum to fight as a gladiator. There he seizes the opportunity to avenge his family and fulfill Aurelio’s last wish.

Producer Doug Wick said THR upon the film’s release in 2000, the production team first inquired whether Mel Gibson was available for the lead role, but ultimately settled on Crowe, perhaps best known at the time for playing LA Confidential. “We knew we needed someone with screen presence to carry the film,” said Wick, “someone with extraordinary physicality and who could project a kind of idealism. We also felt that Ridley Scott recreating a Roman arena from the second century would be a reason for audiences to attend. We felt we didn’t need a star to bring them in.”

That initial hunch turned out to be correct, with Gladiator grossing $465.5 million worldwide ($853.3 million today). Crowe, who was nominated for an Oscar the year before The Insiderhe would win Best Actor and the film would also win trophies for Costume Design, Sound, Visual Effects and Picture.