Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) remains an iconic cinematic masterpiece celebrated for its epic storytelling and breathtaking visuals. However, the journey behind its creation holds equally compelling stories that many fans may not know. Here are five fascinating insights that show the production of Gladiator was just as epic as the film itself.

Russell Crowe wasn’t the first choice

Interestingly, Russell Crowe wasn’t the first choice for Maximus. Before he landed this iconic role, actors like Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman and Antonio Banderas were considered. Gibson declined, Jackman was relatively unknown at the time and Banderas didn’t quite fit in. Crowe’s powerful performance ultimately earned him an Oscar and unforgettable acclaim.

CGI helped complete Oliver Reed’s role

The actor Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, died midway through production. Instead of rewriting the script, Ridley Scott used CGI with a body double to complete his scenes – one of the earliest uses of CGI for this purpose, costing $3 million.

While “Gladiator” is based on real Roman elements, “Maximus” is completely fictional and inspired by various historical figures. This creative mix of fact and fiction adds to the film’s legendary appeal.

For added realism, the production used live Bengal tigers during Maximus’ intense arena battle. Crowe performed with these animals separated only by a thin chain, which increased the tension of the scene.