9 Actors Who Won't Return for Gladiator 2

Russell Crowe

One of the biggest rumors ahead of Gladiator 2's casting confirmations was that original star Russell Crowe was set for a sensational comeback. Even though Maximus died at the end of the movie, fans still held out hope that the Commander of the Armies of the North and the Felix Legions could still appear

Russell Crowe as Maximus, looking over his shoulder in Gladiator

Djimon Hounsou

Another high-profile potential returnee, Djimon Hounsou's Juba was one of the few gladiators to survive the rebellion at Proximo's Rome ludus. In fact, his final line, teasing the suggestion that Juba and Maximus would meet again one day, was seen as a potential sign that both characters would appear in Gladiator 2. However, it has subsequently been confirmed that Hounsou will not star in the sequel – despite months of conflicting reports.

Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Juba (Djimon Hounsou) standing next to each other in Gladiator

Spencer Treat Clark

Perhaps the most surprising absence from Gladiator 2, given the sequel's content, is the original Lucius actor Spencer Treat Clark. The now-36-year-old actor made his name as a teenager in hits like Mystic River, Unbreakable, and the original Gladiator. However, despite being ideally placed to play an older version of his character from the first movie, Clark has been replaced by Paul Mescal. Interestingly, a return would not have been the first time Clark has returned to a franchise long after his first appearance, reprising his role in the delayed Unbreakable sequel Glass. However, despite the actor's pedigree, Gladiator 2 is taking a different approach.

Russell Crowe as Maximus and Lucius in Gladiator

Omid Djalili

Despite being unnamed in the first film, Omid Djalili's somewhat comedic slave trader helped provide some important insight into how Roman society actually operated. In taking Maximus from his home and bringing him to Proximo, Djalili's character helps set the main revenge arc of the story in motion. While any suggestion that he should have played a major role may be overstating his importance, a cameo could have been an effective callback to the first movie's famous early gladiator combat scenes and Maximus' journey in the arena.

Omid Djalili as a slave trader in gladiator

David Schofield

A loyal servant of Emperor Commodus, Falco's fate at the end of Gladiator is unclear. Having helped the emperor consolidate his power base and advised him on how best to eliminate Maximus' threat, Falco was clearly left in a precarious position when his master died fighting the fallen general. Unfortunately, the mystery of what happened to him after his plans came unstuck will remain unresolved – the only potential solution coming from a character like Derek Jacobi's returning Gracchus.

David Schofield as Senator Falco Gladiator

David Hemmings

The flamboyant and charismatic master of ceremonies at the Coliseum, Cassius was a bombastic presence who helped set the scene throughout the first Gladiator. While this mantle may well be taken on by somebody else, should gladiatorial combat play as prominent a role in the sequel, Cassius himself will not be returning. Unfortunately, this is due to actor David Hemmings' sad passing in 2003 at the age of 62.

Cassius in Gladiator speaking to the arena

Tomas Arana

A former friend and ally of Maximus, Quintus betrays his general by becoming the leader of Commodus' Praetorian Guard. However, despite his earlier treachery, he is able to redeem himself by refusing to allow the Emperor a second sword in his duel with Maximus. This arc sees Quintus enjoy a fairly prominent role in the first Gladiator film. However, Arana is not slated to appear in Gladiator 2, meaning that Quintus will likely not be involved in the sequel.

Gladiator Opening Battle with Quintus

Sven-Ole Thorsen

One of Gladiator's most memorable scenes is the arena fight between Maximus and the legendary undefeated warrior Tigris, who comes out of retirement specifically at the Emperor's behest. Although Maximus ultimately beats Tigris and is ordered to execute the aging Gaul, he refuses, defying Commodus in full view of the entire arena. Narratively, this moment is mainly about Maximus and Commodus' dynamic. Nevertheless, it leaves an unresolved issue as to what exactly happened to Tigris. Again, with Thorsen not returning for Gladiator 2, this minor question will remain unanswered.

Tigris of Gaul and Maximus shouting

Giannina Facio

Just as viewers held out hope that an afterlife scene could bring back Maximus himself, it may have been possible that such an approach could have also allowed the general's wife and family to make a comeback. Seen frequently in flashbacks throughout the first movie, her tragic murder sets the film's revenge arc in motion. However, with Maximus not in Gladiator 2, there is no need for his wife to return either.

Maximus in Gladiator tiger scene

Giorgio Cantarini

Likewise, just as Maximus' wife would serve no narrative purpose in Gladiator 2, Maximus' son will not be featured – meaning no return for actor Giorgio Cantarini. In the first movie, Maximus emphasized how his and Lucilla's sons were the same age, bringing the pair closer together and tragically reminding the audience of all that he lost. However, despite this important role in the first movie, including Maximus' son in Gladiator 2 would make no sense for the story, ensuring his absence from the sequel.

Custom image of Russell Crowe as Maximus and a tiger in the Colosseum in Gladiator.