We can confirm that Russell Crowe does not return as Maximus in Gladiator 2 – at least not in new footage. The sequel's opening credits recap the events of the first movie, rendered in a gorgeous, painted style, while the movie does feature flashbacks that include Maximus as his legacy is a major aspect of the plot.

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?

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.”

I will not be your instrument in this life or the next,” utters Paul Mescal's Lucius halfway through Ridley Scott's sequel to his 2000 blockbuster,

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.