How did Steven Spielberg influence Ridley Scott to abandon the original Gladiator 2 script with Russell Crowe?
Tl;dr
- Le script original de Gladiator II was abandoned following advice from Steven Spielberg.
- Gladiator IIscheduled for 2024, will feature a completely different storyline and cast.
- The film, which will follow Maximus’ son Lucius Verus, is expected to be a box office success.
Spielberg’s impact on Gladiator II
In a recent interview with the New York Timesdirector Ridley Scott revealed that Steven Spielberg played a crucial role in changing the direction of the script for Gladiator II. The original screenplay, written by musician Nick Cave, was scrapped in favor of an entirely new story.
A different scenario for a highly anticipated sequel
Gladiatorreleased in 2000, was a huge critical and commercial success. It then took more than two decades for a sequel to see the light of day. The new Gladiator IIdue out in 2024, will be directed by Scott with Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington headlining. A radical change from Nick Cave’s original script which featured the resurrection of the main character, Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe.
A saving change of direction
Spielberg wasn’t the only one to express doubts about Cave’s script. Scott himself had reservations about bringing Maximus back from the dead. Spielberg therefore encouraged Scott not to continue down this path. A decision that the director ultimately deemed beneficial for the rest of the franchise Gladiator.
What do we think?
Overall, Spielberg’s choice seems to have been the right decision. Positive reactions to Gladiator IIespecially concerning Washington’s performance, show that the public is ready to embrace this new story. Although the original storyline may have provided a touch of fantasy, it is likely that it would have confused fans of the first film. Ultimately, respect for the historical essence of Gladiator seems to be the key to the success of this long-awaited sequel.
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