India, June 21 -- Released in 2024, Gladiator II failed to replicate the first part's immense box-office success. The sequel earned $462 million worldwide, but its $310 million budget meant that it barely broke even. In fact, it earned less than the $466 million Gladiator made when it released in 2000. Russell Crowe, star of the first Gladiator, has now said the sequel's failure was because it lacked the 'moral core' that made the first successful.

During a panel at the Taormina Film Festival, the actor reflected on his career-defining role as Maximus and revealed why he pushed back against certain creative decisions during the making of the original Gladiator.

"When we were shooting that film, there was a lot of pressure. The studio, t...