A stunt on the set of the big-budget sequelGladiator 2did not go as planned, resulting in a slew of injured crewmembers. PerVariety, there was an accident on the set on June 7 that occurred while filming an action stunt sequence. While it’s not clear exactly what happened, the reported result is that six people were afflicted with burn injuries with four remaining hospitalized. No cast members were injured. A Paramount spokesperson confirmed that the accident happened while also delivering the good news that the injuries are not life-threatening.
“While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of theGladiatorsequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries,” the spokesperson stated. “The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment.”
The statement continued, “The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.”
Related:Russell Crowe Talks Scrapped Fantastical Idea for Gladiator 2: ‘He’s in Limbo, He’s Stuck Between Worlds’
Gladiator Gets a Sequel
Ridley Scott is back in the director’s chair forGladiator 2, using a screenplay written by David Scarpa. The film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) from the original film. Also starring in the movie are Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, May Calamawy, and Pedro Pascal.
The originalGladiatorstarred Phoenix, Nielsen, Jacobi, Hounsou, and Russell Crowe. It was a tremendous success when it was released in 2000, going on to gross more than $503 million at the box office.Gladiatorwas also widely acclaimed by critics and wound up winning five Oscars, including Best Picture along with a Best Actor win for Crowe. Given the accolades, it may have been a matter of time before a sequel was made, even if it comes nearly 25 years after the release of the original movie.
“I mean, look, the only thing that I really feel about it isslightly jealous, you know? Because I was a much younger man, obviously, and it was a huge experience in my life,” Crowe toldCollideraboutGladiator 2.“It’s something that changed my life, really. It changed the way people regarded me and what I do for a living, and, you know, I’ve been very lucky to be involved in lots of big movies, but the legs on that film are incredible… you don’t always get that kind of longevity with every film you do, so, it obviously holds a special place in my heart.”
Perhaps the new cast members will have a similar experience whenGladiator 2is released next year, if the film has similar success as the original.Gladiator 2will hit theaters on Jun 17, 2025.
