Cast
- Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius: A morally upstanding Hispano-Roman general in Germania, forced into becoming a slave who seeks revenge against Commodus. He had been under the favor of Marcus Aurelius, and the love and admiration of Lucilla prior to the events of the film. His home is near Trujillo in today's Province of Cáceres, Spain (in fact the city where he's from is Mérida, capital of the province of Lusitania). After the murder of his family he vows vengeance. Maximus is a fictional character partly inspired by Marcus Nonius Macrinus, Narcissus, Spartacus, Cincinnatus, and Maximus of Hispania. Mel Gibson was first offered the role, but declined as he felt he was too old to play the character. Antonio Banderas was also considered.
- Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus: The twisted son of Marcus Aurelius, he murders his father when he learns that Maximus is to become Emperor. Earlier played by Christopher Plummer in The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), Jude Law was also considered for this role.
- Connie Nielsen as Lucilla: Maximus's former lover and the older child of Marcus Aurelius, Lucilla has been recently widowed. She tries to resist her brother's incestuous advances while protecting her son, Lucius.
- Djimon Hounsou as Juba: A Numidia tribesman who was taken from his home and family by slave traders. He becomes Maximus's closest ally.
- Oliver Reed as Antonius Proximo: An old, gruff gladiator trainer who buys Maximus in North Africa. A former gladiator himself, he was freed by Marcus Aurelius, and gives Maximus his own armor and eventually a chance at freedom. This was Reed's final film; he died during filming.
- Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus: One of the senators who opposes Commodus' rule.
- Ralf Möller as Hagen: A Germanic warrior and Proximo's chief gladiator who later befriends Maximus and Juba during their battles in Rome.
- Spencer Treat Clark as Lucius Verus: The young son of Lucilla. He is named after his father Lucius Verus. He is also the grandson of Marcus Aurelius.
- Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius: An emperor of Rome who appoints Maximus, whom he loves as a son, with the ultimate aim of returning Rome to a republican form of government. He is murdered by his son Commodus before his wish is fulfilled.
- Tommy Flanagan as Cicero: Maximus' loyal servant who provides him with information while Maximus is enslaved. He was used as bait for an escaping Maximus and eventually killed.
- Tomas Arana as General Quintus: Another Roman general and former friend to Maximus. Made commander of the Praetorian guards by Commodus, earning his loyalty. He later redeems himself by refusing to allow Commodus a sword during his duel with Maximus.
- John Shrapnel as Gaius: Another senator who is in close correspondence to Gracchus.
- David Schofield as Senator Falco: A Patrician, a senator opposed to Gracchus. He helps Commodus to consolidate his power.
- Sven-Ole Thorsen as Tigris of Gaul: An undefeated gladiator who is called out of retirement to kill Maximus.
- David Hemmings as Cassius: An elderly fat man who runs the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum and is the arena announcer.
- Giannina Facio as Maximus' wife
- Giorgio Cantarini as Maximus' son
Read more about this topic: Gladiator (2000 Film)
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