The eagerly awaited sequel to Gladiator, aptly named ‘Gladiator 2’, is set to arrive in cinemas this November, but the absence of Russell Crowe from the lineup will surely leave his admirers disheartened the actor won’t be gracing the screen, not even in a flashback scene.

Legendary director Ridley Scott has shed light on why the revered actor wasn’t called back for the second installment, despite widespread acclaim for his performance in the original movie.

Admirers of the first Gladiator film vividly recall the demise of Russell’s character Maximus Decimus Meridius, who meets his end following a ferocious fight with his rival Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix).

Ridley recently divulged to Empire magazine the simplicity behind choosing the story’s direction: “The plot, frankly, was right under our noses. I think it was so close under our noses that we thought it was too simple.”

He praised Crowe as one of the finest actors around and expressed hope for maintaining their strong professional connection, jesting: “As long as he doesn’t start b******g about how he wasn’t consulted. Why would I? He’s dead!” (sic), reports the Mirror.

Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus, son of Maximus, with the narrative picking up over twenty years after the events of the original.

Alongside Paul, the film boasts an impressive constellation of actors, including Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger.

Connie Nielson and Derek Jacobi are also returning, reprising their roles as Lucilla, mother of Lucius, and Senator Gracchus from the original film.

The narrative centres around Lucius, the erstwhile heir to the Roman Empire, who is forced into gladiatorial combat after his home is seized by the Roman army under the command of General Marcus Acacius, during the rule of co-emperors Caracalla and Geta.

The original film, which hit cinemas in 2000, was a box office sensation, amassing $465.4million globally and securing the position of the second highest-grossing film of that year, trailing only Mission: Impossible 2.

Not only did the film enjoy commercial success, but it also received critical acclaim, with commendations for its performances, direction, cinematography, production design and musical score.

It scooped up five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Costume Design and Best Actor for Russell.

Gladiator 2 releases in UK cinemas on November 15.