Gladiator 2’s Most Important Dead Character Cameo Isn’t Actually Russell Crowe’s Maximus

Plenty of discussion has occurred regarding a cameo from beyond the grave for Russell Crowe as Maximus in Gladiator 2, but given what is known about the sequel’s plot and characters there is a better choice for a dead character’s appearance. The sequel from Ridley Scott stars Paul Mescal as the grown Lucius Verus II — the character previously played by Spencer Treat Clark in Gladiator who idolized Maximus — so there is plenty of reason for Russell Crowe’s iconic character to return in some way. Even though Maximus earned a definitive death at the end of the original, audiences will still believe that a sequel should involve him somehow.