Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning star of the original "Gladiator," has voiced his strong disapproval of "Gladiator 2," criticizing the sequel for what he perceives as a lack of the "moral core" that made the first film special. In a recent interview with Australian radio station Triple J, Crowe expressed his disappointment, suggesting that the filmmakers failed to understand the essence of the 2000 blockbuster.

Crowe emphasized that the original film's strength wasn't its spectacle, pomp, circumstance, or action, but rather its "moral core". He revealed that during the production of "Gladiator," he constantly fought to maintain the character of Maximus's moral integrity, even resisting suggestions for sex scenes that he believed would diminish his power and loyalty to his deceased wife.

A significant point of contention for Crowe is the revelation in "Gladiator 2" that Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, is the illegitimate son of Maximus. Crowe finds this plot twist contradictory to Maximus's established character, whose primary motivation in the first film was to avenge the murder of his wife and son. He questions how Maximus could have had a relationship with Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) while simultaneously being devoted to his wife, stating, "So you're saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was f***ing this other girl? What are you talking about? It's crazy".

Crowe feels that this retcon undermines Maximus's character and the values that drove him, ultimately detracting from the emotional power of the original film. He recounted instances where women confronted him about Maximus's alleged off-screen behavior, highlighting the disconnect between the character he portrayed and the implications of the sequel's storyline. "It's like, 'Hey, it wasn't me! I didn't do it!'" Crowe exclaimed.

Directed by Ridley Scott, "Gladiator 2" stars Paul Mescal as Lucius and features returning actress Connie Nielsen, along with new cast members such as Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington. The film's plot centers around Lucius, the son of Lucilla, and his journey as a young warrior. While the film boasts a star-studded cast and the return of the original director, Crowe's criticism raises questions about whether the sequel truly captures the essence of what made "Gladiator" a cinematic triumph.

Crowe's remarks underscore the challenges of creating sequels that live up to the legacy of beloved originals, especially when fundamental aspects of character and story are altered. His defense of Maximus's "moral core" reflects a deep understanding of the character he embodied and a desire to protect the integrity of the film that earned him an Oscar.