Russell Crowe's Candid Comments Create Waves
Russell Crowe has been making waves with his candid remarks, particularly when it comes to calling out Dakota Johnson and expressing his disapproval of the idea of Gladiator II. According to an exclusive source speaking to Closer, friends are urging him to take a step back and relax, as his current mood seems to be affecting his girlfriend, Britney Theriot.
Insider Reveals Details About 'Gladiator II'
Here’s the scoop: A few years ago, Paramount was seriously considering scripts for Gladiator II. These scripts, according to an insider involved with the film’s team, aimed to bring Russell’s iconic Maximus character back to life—despite his on-screen death in the original film—and embark on a fresh adventure. “Let’s be real, Russell didn’t help his case by not maintaining the physique he had for the first movie. It’s completely understandable that the studio decided to go in a different direction when they finally greenlit the sequel,” the insider revealed.
Adding to the drama, the source suggests that Russell, now 60, might be feeling hurt that his longtime friend Denzel Washington landed a prime role in the sequel. “Russell could have taken the high road, wished the production well, but instead, he chose to voice his discontent. With the movie set to release in a few months, Paramount certainly doesn’t need the unwanted attention Russell’s comments have stirred up,” the insider noted.
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Russell Reflects on the Sequel
Gladiator II, scheduled for a November 22 release, stars a stellar cast including Paul Mescal, Denzel, 69, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Derek Jacobi. Russell, who played the lead in the original 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott, shared his thoughts on the sequel during a June 10 interview on the “Kyle Meredith With…” podcast.
“I’ve got to admit, I’m not entirely comfortable with the fact that they’re making another one. You know, I’m dead, and I don’t have a say in what happens next. Some things I’ve heard about the new film just don’t align with Maximus’s moral journey. But hey, I’m six feet under, so it’s not my place to comment. We’ll see how it turns out,” he reflected.
Russell, known for his role in A Beautiful Mind, reminisces about the opportunities that film brought him. He admits to feeling a mix of nostalgia and jealousy, saying, “I remember when I had the tendons and the stamina to take on such roles.”
Russell's Perspective on the Industry
The source concludes by pointing out, “It’s hard not to question what kind of partner Russell is when he insists on making everything about his bruised ego. Instead of seeing Gladiator II as a missed paycheck, he should be supporting the film industry’s recovery post-COVID and the challenges faced during the summer 2023 strikes. His behavior is considered bad form.”
Russell has been in a relationship with Britney, 32, since November 2020, after meeting on the set of Broken City in 2013.
Dakota Johnson and Marvel: Russell's Take
Russell also made headlines with his thoughts on Dakota Johnson’s comments about Madame Web. In a June 13 interview with GQ UK, he responded to Dakota’s claim that the Marvel film felt like it was “made by committee,” losing artistic integrity.
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“I don’t want to comment on anyone else’s experience, but let’s be honest here. You signed up for a Marvel movie, a universe built for cartoon characters, and you’re disappointed by the lack of depth?” Russell questioned. “It’s a massive machine, and they create movies at a certain scale. These are jobs. You’re given a role, you play it. If you’re expecting a life-changing event, you might be in it for the wrong reasons.”
