Russell Crowe has stunned fans after proving he still has the strength of a warrior — flexing his impressive muscles and channelling the role that made him a Hollywood legend.

The New Zealand-born star, 62, looked every inch the battle-hardened hero in a series of gym snaps shared by Scottish wrestling superstar Drew McIntyre, with the pair proudly showing off their bulging biceps during a training session.

In one mirror selfie, Russell flashed a huge grin as he raised his arm to reveal his powerful physique, instantly reminding fans of his unforgettable turn as Roman general Maximus in the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator.

Drew captioned the photos: 'Gladiator x Warrior,' perfectly summing up the unlikely meeting of two icons.

The pair are set to share the screen in the upcoming Highlander reboot, a revival of the cult film franchise made famous by stars Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert.

While noticeably bulkier and sporting a full grey beard, Russell's commanding presence showed he still has the same warrior spirit as his character. 

In 2020, Russell made a shock confession - that he almost turned down a role that later won him an Oscar. 

In an interview with Variety, the actor admitted he was at first hesitant about taking on the part of a Roman general. 

He had at the time gained 23kg to play Jeffrey Wigand in the 1999 drama The Insider, and had shaved his head to make wigs fit better on set, and didn't think he looked right to play a Gladiator.

Russell told the magazine: 'I was just coming off the shoot of The Insider. I was gigantic. 

'I had no hair because I had been wearing a wig on that movie, so I had shaved my head to make it more comfortable and the wigs go on quicker. I didn't look like any Roman general.'

However, the actor was tempted because of the involvement of director Ridley Scott.

Russell was not impressed at first, admitting, 'I'd read the script and I thought it wasn't a movie. 

'But then producer Walter Parkes said, "...you're going to be directed by Ridley Scott." And that was enough for me to want to talk to Ridley,' he added.  

The actor went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2001 for his lead role, a film which propelled him to superstardom.  

Russell was previously married to Australian actress Danielle, 57, with the couple tying the knot at his farm in Nana Glen in April 2003.

The couple welcomed two sons together but went their separate ways in 2012 and finalised their divorce six years later.

Despite their high-profile split, Danielle previously told Stellar magazine the couple were still friends and see one another as 'family'. 

'We have a lot of respect for each other and I consider him to be a member of my family,' she said. 

'The marriage ended, but that didn't mean our friendship ended. We've had holidays together in the past, we can happily sit down and chat.'