Renowned actor Russell Crowe is at a crossroads, pondering retirement as he approaches his 60th birthday. At the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Crowe expressed his uncertainty about the future, comparing his introspection to looking in a mirror and questioning his identity. He mentioned the possibility of following in the footsteps of Ridley Scott, who continues to work prolifically at 85, or stepping away from the limelight entirely.
Crowe, who has eight films currently in development, also addressed the upcoming "Gladiator" sequel, a project he's not involved in. He jokingly remarked that he should be compensated for the constant barrage of questions he receives about the film, despite his character's demise in the original. Although admitting a touch of envy, Crowe expressed confidence in Ridley Scott's vision and predicted a spectacular outcome.
He acknowledged the significant impact "Gladiator" had on his career, reflecting on his initial apprehension about the script, which he deemed "absolute rubbish." Crowe shared his concerns about the historical accuracy and relevance of certain scenes, including chariot sequences, fearing they wouldn't resonate with modern audiences. He even contemplated leaving the project due to the fractured atmosphere on set.
Beyond his acting endeavors, Crowe revealed he has several documentaries awaiting release, but legal complexities are preventing their distribution. He stated his intention to wait until certain individuals pass away before making the documentaries public.
