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The question that stumped the most players in April 2025
Nick Arnott
May 08, 2025 • 1 minute
Category:
The Tricky One
The correct answer? Richard Harris. But only 19% of players got it right!
The majority (59%) chose Russell Crowe, who famously played Maximus, the film’s central character. Joaquin Phoenix - who portrayed the ruthless and unstable Commodus - was selected by 15% of players, while Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, a gladiator trainer, was incorrectly chosen by 9%. Sadly, Oliver Reed passed away during filming.
Released in 2000 and directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator is a sweeping historical epic that reignited interest in the sword-and-sandal genre. The film received critical acclaim for its gripping performances, striking cinematography, and stirring Hans Zimmer score. It was a box office triumph and went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. The film celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Although Richard Harris’s screen time in the film was brief, his portrayal was pivotal to the film’s moral foundation. As Emperor Marcus Aurelius, he voices a desire to restore the Roman Republic and pass power to Maximus, setting the central conflict in motion. If you’ve never seen Gladiator, it’s well worth a watch - and if you have, perhaps it’s time for a rewatch, especially if you got this question wrong!