Ridley Scott’s Gladiator has surged in popularity as a streaming success after switching platforms recently, proving its lasting appeal more than two decades after its release. The film, known for its intense portrayal of a Roman general’s quest for vengeance, is currently ranking high on Pluto TV’s free streaming list, attracting renewed attention from viewers worldwide.
A Sudden Streaming Resurgence for Gladiator
Originally released in 2000, Gladiator starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a betrayed Roman general sold into slavery, and Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus. The movie’s move to Pluto TV brought it into the top 10 most-watched films, reaching #4 at the time of reporting. In addition to Pluto TV, Gladiator remains accessible on Paramount+ and Prime Video, with no current plans by these platforms to remove the title. Despite its age, the movie continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining solid ratings with 80% critic approval and 87% audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
Gladiator’s box office success was also significant, earning $465 million globally against a production budget of $100 million. The film features Connie Nielsen alongside Crowe and Phoenix, adding to its memorable ensemble. Nevertheless, while praised for its epic storytelling and performances, the film‘s behind-the-scenes history reveals a far more complicated production experience than many fans realize.
Behind the Scenes: Tensions During Filming
The production of Gladiator was marked by clashes, especially between Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Crowe reportedly considered Phoenix’s conduct on set to be unprofessional, causing friction between the co-stars. At one point, Phoenix was on the verge of walking off the project entirely, jeopardizing the film’s completion. Ridley Scott, however, managed to convince Phoenix to continue, ensuring that the film reached audiences despite these challenges. This incident foreshadowed Phoenix’s reputation for occasionally abandoning projects unexpectedly in his later career.
The Absence of Russell Crowe in the Gladiator Sequel
In 2023, Ridley Scott revisited Globe-spanning Gladiator narrative with the release of Gladiator II, though Crowe did not return. The director publicly explained that the death of Crowe’s character, Maximus, logically excluded his participation in the sequel. Still, Crowe reportedly desired a producer credit due to Maximus’ significant influence on the story, as his legacy shapes much of the new film’s plot, particularly through the character of Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal.
Fans interested in witnessing the ongoing influence of Gladiator’s story can stream the original movie on Pluto TV, while keeping an eye out for updates on Crowe’s forthcoming projects and the broader impact of Scott’s epic creation.
