Russell Crowe has surprised fans by unveiling a life-size statue of himself as Maximus in the film Gladiator made entirely out of chocolate.
The Australian actor, 59, shared a photo of the impressive sculpture on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday and explained how the design was created by Maltese chocolatier Tiziano Cassar for the Hamrun Chocolate Festival.
“Some people get statues made of bronze, some people get statues made of marble.” “In Malta they made me out of…chocolate,” Russell began.
“The world famous Hamrun Chocolate Festival is taking place this weekend in beautiful Malta. “The artist is Tiziano Cassar,” he continued, cheekily adding: “When the competition is over, I will be available to eat…”
Russell is known for his love of Malta and first visited the country in 2000 to film his blockbuster Gladiator.
Russell Crowe, 59, surprised fans on Friday by unveiling a life-size statue of himself as Maximus in the film Gladiator made entirely of chocolate. He is depicted on the left in Gladiator (2000), while the chocolate sculpture inspired by his character is depicted on the right
Since then he has spent a lot of time traveling the country as a tourist and performing with his band.
Back in June, the actor joked to Maltese media before performing with his band that he was even thinking about becoming a citizen.
“There were discussions about citizenship,” he mused when asked about his future in Malta, adding that he would have to discuss the matter with the country’s prime minister, according to the Times of Malta.
Russell is known for his love of Malta and first visited the country in 2000 to film his blockbuster Gladiator. (Image 2022)
Back in June, the actor joked to Maltese media before performing with his band that he was even thinking about becoming a citizen. (Pictured in 2023)
“I feel like an uncle here,” he said, later adding: “The only reason I speak so positively about Malta is because… it’s a fantastic place.”
Meanwhile, production is also underway in Malta on the upcoming sequel to “Gladiator,” starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
While the new film brings back Gladiator director Ridley Scott, Russell will not be seen as his character died at the end of the original film.
The original historical epic grossed five times its budget and helped cement the fame of Russell and Joaquin Phoenix.
“Gladiator” won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell.
Production on the upcoming Gladiator sequel is now underway in Malta. While the new film brings back Gladiator director Ridley Scott, Russell will not be seen as his character died at the end of the original film
The original historical epic grossed five times its budget and helped cement the fame of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix