The excitement surrounding Gladiator 2 has left many fans wondering about the return of Russell Crowe’s iconic character, Maximus. Despite the anticipation, Maximus will not be making an appearance in the sequel.

A highly-anticipated sequel to one of the most iconic blockbusters of all time is finally hitting the big screen this week, but will the original film’s star Russell Crowe make an appearance?

Warning - this article contains spoilers for Gladiator II. Gladiator II continues the grand tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius' (played by Russell Crowe) son Lucius (Paul Mescal), tracing his journey from being the former heir to the Roman Empire to a captive warrior seeking revenge.

The movie’s director, Ridley Scott, spoke to The New York Times before the upcoming release of “Gladiator II” and revealed that the first few days of production didn’t go as planned – mainly because Phoenix was overwhelmed and Crowe believed his behavior was “unprofessional.”

Gladiator II continues the grand tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius' (played by Russell Crowe) son Lucius (Paul Mescal), tracing his journey from being the former heir to the Roman Empire to a captive warrior seeking revenge.

Gladiator II is now in cinemas and continues the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius' son Lucius, but is Russell Crowe back as Maximus?

It has been 24 years since Ridley Scott gave the world a glimpse of the Roman Empire in Gladiator. The film over the years has attained cult status and is lauded by one and all.