A masterpiece cannot be recognized before filming. This also applies to Ridley Scott’s action epic Gladiator, which is on TV today. Actor Russell Crowe wanted to get on a plane and left after reading the script for the first time. Partly because of an admittedly very bizarre idea.
On TV: Action from Napoleon maker Ridley Scott, which initially shocked his star
Gladiator is about the ex-legionnaire and arena fighter Maximus (Crowe), who loses his family due to the jealousy of the heir to the Roman throne Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Disillusioned, he fights his way to Rome as a gladiator, to take bloody revenge on his enemies.
Check out the trailer for Gladiator here:
Gladiator – Trailer (German)
Ridley Scott’s historical spectacle became a hit in cinemas (via The Numbers ), made Crowe a major Hollywood star and, 23 years later, is considered one of the greatest cult films of all time. When you first read the script the main actor was annoyed by bizarre scenes, in which the gladiators’ chariots carried advertisements for their sponsors, such as an olive oil factory. There may be historical evidence for this, but it still sounds completely absurd to many. Crowe reveals:
The script was absolute garbage. There were these strange scenes that wouldn’t resonate with a modern audience. They’ll say, ‘What the heck is that?’ I thought maybe I’d better get on a plane and get out. But my conversations with [Regisseur] Ridley Scott calmed me down.
Here you will find external content from YouTube, which complements the article. You can display it and hide it again with one click.
The critics also rewarded Scott’s vision and Crowe’s perseverance when the film opened (via Metacritic). “An exhilarating, thrilling epic that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible“, said the New York Post. It’s good that Crowe stayed away from the plane.
When is Gladiator on TV?
Gladiator is running this Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. on ZDFneo. In addition to Crowe and Phoenix, Richard Harris (Merciless) and Djimon Hounsou (Constantine) can be seen in front of the camera.
Podcast: The 15 best series starts in December on Netflix, Disney+ and Co.
Do you need more fresh streaming tips? We present the most exciting series in December, which start on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Co., in the monthly overview:
At this point you will find external content that complements the article. You can display it and hide it again with one click.
Among the 15 streaming highlights of the series you will find plenty of fantasy during Advent, such as the hotly anticipated remake Percy Jackson, but also a return of The Walking Dead and the Netflix spin-off Berlin of the celebrated series Money Heist.
*. If you purchase through these links or take out a subscription, we receive a commission. .