Russell Crowe — Return Of The Flabiator

Russell Crowe was almost unrecognizable as the bearded "Gladiator" star hit the hoops in Australia — while showing off a wicked weight gain!

The National ENQUIRER had caught Russell heading to the gym in May 2017 after putting on the pounds. That didn't seem to become a habit, though. Now the troubled "L.A. Confidential" star looks to have gained even more weight while dodging scandals over the past year.

Russell seemed happy to be out with his son Tennyson instead of in front of the cameras, though. The former sex symbol's been through tough fitness regimens in the past . He once went from playing a boxer in “Cinderella Man” to gaining 63 pounds before 2008’s “Body of Lies.” By August 2015 — while filming “The Nice Guys” — Russell admitted: “I was 268 pounds!”

That was after the actor shed at least 50 pounds in just weeks for his role as Superman’s father in "Man of Steel." Russell's bushy beard could be for his upcoming role in a western set in 1870s Australia, but experts are hoping that he won't punish his body again.

“Yo-yo dieting increases the risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and many other illnesses,” New York internist Dr. Stuart Fischer told The ENQUIRER — adding: “It also stunts the metabolism permanently, making it harder to lose the extra pounds!”