“Gladiator” is two weeks away from celebrating its 20th anniversary. And over that time, the Ridley Scott film has become legendary for its depiction of that era of history, as well as for scenes in the film transcending the movie and living on as cultural icons. In honor of the film’s impending birthday, Russell Crowe spoke about “Gladiator,” and specifically, told the story of how the ending was drastically changed while filming.
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In an interview with Empire, Russell Crowe talked about his 20-year-old Oscar-winning film, as well as how the end of the epic was originally very, very different. According to the actor, the original script for the film featured a much happier ending, with Maximus defeating the bad guy and living in the end. But during the production of the film, Ridley Scott had an epiphany.
“I remember Ridley coming up to me on set saying, ‘Look, the way this is shaping up, I don’t see how you live,” said Crowe. “This character is about one act of pure vengeance for his wife and child, and, once he’s accomplished that, what does he do?’ And my joke used to be, ‘Yeah, what does Maximus do? Does he end up running a fucking pizzeria by the Colosseum?’ He has a singular purpose, which is to meet his wife in the afterlife and apologize for not being there for her. And that’s it.”
Of course, anyone who has seen the film knows that Crowe’s character does not live to tell the tale, despite ultimately defeating the villain in the end. In hindsight, it’s difficult to imagine “Gladiator” playing out any other way. Would audiences cheered and left the theaters more satisfied if there was a happy ending? Though emotional and inspirational, the story of “Gladiator” does not feel like one that deserves the cheap finale.
Thankfully, Scott felt the same way and the film is better for it.