A SEQUEL to Oscar-winning blockbuster Gladiator is in the offing, director Ridley Scott has confirmed.

And Russell Crowe could feature, despite his character Maximums being killed off in the 2000 original.

3 Epic blockbuster Gladiator is getting a sequel and Russell Crowe's Maximus 'could be resurrected' Credit: Kobal Collection - Shutterstock

Sir Ridley, 80, has said of Maximus: “I know how to bring him back.

“I was having this talk with the studio — ‘but he’s dead’. But there is a way of bringing him back. Whether it will happen I don’t know.

“Russell’s changed a little bit but I’m trying to get him.”

Meanwhile singer-songwriter and script writer Nick Cave told how fellow Aussie Crowe, 54, had asked him for a plot line to resurrect Maximus.

3 Joaquin Phoenix and Russell Crowe as sworn enemies Roman Emperor Commodus and Gladiator Maximus Credit: Rex Features

3 Director Ridley Scott has confirmed Gladiator II is in the offing and said of hero Maximus: 'I know how to bring him back' Credit: Getty - Contributor

Cave said the phone call went: “Hey Russell, didn’t you die in Gladiator?’ ‘Yeah, you sort that out’.” His idea saw Roman gods use Maximus to try to halt Christianity.

Instead, the screenplay will be written by Peter Craig, whose credits include two Hunger Games films and the forthcoming Top Gun sequel.

most read in bizarre Exclusive DELIVE-RAY Dancing On Ice winner Ray Quinn earning £11.40 an hour as Hermes delivery driver Exclusive CAINE AND ABLE Capt Tom signs 7-figure film deal - and he wants Michael Caine to play him Exclusive A QUESTION OF COURTSHIP Alex Scott is dating Coronation Street hunk Sam Robertson Exclusive MEL HELL 'Cheating' nanny helps Mel B's ex buy £1m pad while she lives in bungalow with mum Exclusive COVID SCARE Michelle Keegan tested for Covid after Brassic crew member showed symptoms Exclusive STRIFE STORIES Gemma Collins to tell all about Arg split on Piers Morgan's Life Stories

The plot will centre around Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus, originally played by Joaquin Phoenix.

Gladiator was nominated for 11 Oscars and won five, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Oliver Reed, 61, died from a heart attack during filming, which was completed with CGI.

Russell Crowe reveals incredible film memorabilia - and jockstrap as he auctions belongings following divorce