Russell Crowe doesn't know anything about Gladiator 2

Crowe recently attended the Karlovy Vary Film Festival and told journalists at the event (as reported by Variety) that he doesn't know anything about the sequel. The actor went on to complain that people keep asking him about Gladiator 2 even though he isn't part of the movie.

"They should be f**king paying me for the amount of questions I am asked about a film I am not even in," Crowe said. "It has nothing to do with me. In that world, I am dead. Six feet under."

He adds, "But I do admit to a certain tinge of jealousy, because it reminds me of when I was younger and what it meant for me, in my life."

The actor explained that director Ridley Scott must have had a good reason to return to make a sequel after over 20 years. He expects that the sequel will be as spectacular as the original.

"It was a timewarp for a couple of seconds," Crowe shared. "I don't know anything about the cast or plot – well I wouldn't, because I'm dead – [but] whoever's involved in that movie, if Ridley has decided to do a second part to that story, he will have really strong reasons."

"It's very typical of Ridley to rethink everything that he's done and know how to make it better. I couldn't think of that movie being anything less than absolutely spectacular when it does come out," the actor continued.

Gladiator 2 takes place many years after the events of the original and will follow an adult Lucius. Paul Mescal has been cast in the lead role for the sequel with Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, and Djimon Hounsou returning from the first movie. Other new faces include Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Joseph Quinn.

As for Crowe, he will appear next in Marvel's Kraven the Hunter as Nikolai Kravinoff. He's also working on The Georgetown Project and Sleeping Dogs.

While the actor is still getting projects, Crowe is already thinking about his future and is contemplating retirement. He is turning 60 years old next year.

"You are standing in front of the mirror, and go: 'Who the f*ck is that?' I am in that period now," Crowe said. "I will take Ridley Scott as my role model: he is still discovering new things in his work. Or I will just stop and you will never hear from me again. I haven't decided what it's going to be. These are two very valid choices."

Gladiator 2 is coming to theaters on November 22, 2024.