Gladiator: Where are they now? A look at the varied fortunes of the 2000 blockbuster's cast as fans gear up for hotly-anticipated Ridley Scott sequel
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Gladiator was an instant success when it first hit cinema screens in 2000, earning close to half a billion dollars at the box office.
The flick won five Oscars from its 11 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe's portrayal of gladiator Maximus.
Since then, fans of the gory historical epic, starring Russell, 60, and Joaquin Phoenix, 49, have been eagerly waiting for a follow-up installment to the beloved film - and now it's finally happening.
Gladiator II, which will be released in November, was directed and coproduced by Ridley Scott, who also directed the original film.
So, after the first trailer for the highly-anticipated sequel dropped and movie buffs finally got a first look at Paul Mescal, 28, and Pedro Pascal, 49, in the Colosseum, MailOnline looks back at the cast of the original Gladiator and where they are now...
1. Russell Crowe (Maximus Decimus Meridius)
It was the 2000 blockbuster that catapulted Russell Crowe into international stardom and earned him an Academy Award (pictured left in Gladiator and right in 2023)
When you think of the original Gladiator movie, your mind instantly conjures up an image of Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius - a Roman general who is enslaved and becomes a famed gladiator before dying tragically.
The actor, now 60, had already made a name for himself in the world of acting, having appeared in the 1992 movie Romper Stomper, which bagged him an Australian Film Institute Award.
However, it was the 2000 blockbuster that catapulted him into international stardom and earned him an Academy Award.
Since his role in Gladiator, Russell has starred in a number of films, including Thor: Love And Thunder (2022), Les Misérables (2012) and A Beautiful Mind (2001).
However, he also suffered hardships when he was labelled a diva, caught in a series of outbursts and even arrested and charged by police with second degree assault.
Now, in his most recent film The Exorcism, he wears the clerical collar once again, this time as actor Anthony Miller, who starts to unravel while playing a priest on a cursed film set.
The movie hit cinema screens in the UK and Ireland on June 21.
2. Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus)
Joaquin Phoenix's career has gone from strength to strength since he appeared as the power-hungry Commodus in Gladiator (pictured left in Gladiator and right in 2023)
Joaquin Phoenix's career is one many actors undoubtedly envy.
His career has gone from strength to strength since he appeared as the power-hungry Commodus in Gladiator.
Known for playing dark, eccentric characters, the New York Times named him as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century in 2020.
He won universal praise and an Academy Award nomination for his role as Johnny Cash in the 2006 biopic Walk The Line.
He received another Oscar nod at the 2013 ceremony for starring as World War II navy veteran Freddie Quell in The Master.
Seven years later, he finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the Joker in the blockbuster film of the same name. He is reprising his role in the upcoming sequel Joker: Folie a Deux.
He has appeared in a host of other films including Hotel Rwanda (2004), Inherent Vice (2014), Beau Is Afraid and Napoleon (both 2023).
3. Connie Nielson (Lucilla)
Connie Nielson starred as Lucilla, the eldest child of Marcus Aurelius and Maximus' former lover who she tries to help in saving Rome (pictured left in Gladiator and right in 2023)
Connie Nielson starred as Lucilla, the eldest child of Marcus Aurelius and Maximus' former lover who she tries to help in saving Rome.
During a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, Connie praised director Ridley Scott for his treatment of her character.
'It was one of the things that made me feel so grateful to be part of the whole film, really,' she said. 'Ridley [Scott] really was intent on making this character an equal to those men, if not even more than an equal.'
The Danish actress has enjoyed a successful career in both film and television since her appearance in the blockbuster 24 years ago.
One of her best known recent roles is that of Queen Hippolyta in the DC Extended Universe which began with Wonder Woman in 2017.
She has also appeared in Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac (2013) and Inheritance (2020) alongside Lily Collins and Simon Pegg
She reprises her role of Lucilla in Gladiator II.
4. Spencer Treat Clark (Lucius Verus)
Spencer Treat Clark got his big break as Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla, in Gladiator (Pictured left in the film and right in 2019)
Spencer Treat Clark began his career in 1995 with an appearance on the TV show Another World.
But it would be his role as Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla, in Gladiator at the age of 13 that would prove to be his big break.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Spencer told how the film's older actors made a big impression on him.
He said: 'Every once in a while, I run into...Russell Crowe or get to pass a message on to him because he obviously doesn't live in L.A. But it was amazing to work with Joaquin.
'I spent three months with Joaquin in Malta, and three months when you're 11 years old is a long time. These people all had really informative roles in my childhood.'
Three years after Gladiator, Spencer starred in Mystic River, directed by Clint Eastwood.
He followed it up with roles in the horror movies The Last House On The Left (2009) and The Last Exorcism Part II (2013).
Spencer has also made frequent appearances on the small screen including his role as Werner von Strucker in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (2015-2018) and as Adrian Dolan in Animal Kingdom (2016-2019).
His most recent role was as the American Confederate soldier Lewis Powell in the miniseries Manhunt which follows the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
5. Djimon Hounsou (Juba)
Djimon Hounsou starred as Juba, Maximum's closest ally who inspired him to bring down Commodus (pictured left in Gladiator and right in 2024)
Djimon Hounsou starred as Juba, Maximum's closest ally who inspired him to bring down Commodus.
Already an established actor, he had appeared in films like Without You I'm Nothing (1990) and Steven Spielberg's Armistad (1997). He also appeared in music videos for the likes of Janet Jackson and Madonna.
After Gladiator, he appeared in films including The Four Feathers (2003) with Kate Hudson and Blood Diamond (2006) with Leonardo DiCaprio.
His more recent roles include starring as General Titus in Rebel Moon (2023) and as Henri in A Quiet Place: Day One with Lupita Nyong'o.
6. Tommy Flanagan (Cicero)
Scottish actor Tommy Flanagan depicted Cicero in the original movie - Maximus' loyal servant who helps him along the way (pictured left in the film and right in 2020)
Scottish actor Tommy Flanagan depicted Cicero in the original movie - Maximus' loyal servant who helps him along the way.
Before making the move into film and being cast in Braveheart (1995), he was a player in Robert Carlye's theater company, Raindog for three years.
Prior to his big break, Tommy, 59, also played supporting roles in Face/Off (1997) and The Game (1997).
After stepping into the role of Cicero, he went on to appear in the likes of Alien vs. Predator (2004), Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2 (2017), and Full Throttle (2003).
Tommy has also made a name for himself in the TV spheres and his biggest role to date was playing Filip 'Chibs' Telford on Sons of Anarchy for the entire series.
As a guest star, he's also held small roles on huge shows such as Peaky Blinders, Gotham, and Revenge 2.
7. Derek Jacobi (Gracchus)
British actor Derek Jacobi played the role of Senator Gracchus in the 2000 epic (Pictured left in the film and right in 2023)
British actor Derek Jacobi played the role of Senator Gracchus in the 2000 epic - his character plotted with Maximus and Lucilla to overthrow Commodus in the first movie.
And fans are delighted that the 85-year-old actor is making a return to reprise his role in Gladiator II.
Before appearing in the original flick, the actor had already racked up a host of other films under his belt, including Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (1996), Dead Again (1991), and Henry V (1989).
Throughout his career, the star as won a slew of accolades for his work on screen and stage, including a BAFTA Award and two Olivier Awards.
After his role in Gladiator, the actor appeared in the likes of Gosford Park (2001), Nanny McPhee (2005), The King's Speech (2010) and Murder On The Orient Expresss (2017).
Derek has also held roles in TV shows such as Doctor Who, The Crown, and Good Omens.
