A sequel is entering the arena. Very few films have matched the massive financial and critical success of Ridley Scott‘s, 2000 blockbuster Gladiator, and yet, we believe it is set to meet its match. The cult favourite flick is getting a reboot, with a Gen Z cast (ie. less Russell Crowe and more Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn) and equal amount of muscle on-show.
Oh and it comes out the same week as the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-front Wicked adaptation… did someone say Barbenheimer 2.0?
Scroll on for everything you need to know about Gladiator II.
Gladiator II Cast
Aftersun star Paul Mescal will play Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). We are super (like, super) excited to see Nielsen returning to her original role in the sequel, alongside fellow original cast member Derek Jacobi, who is reprising his role as Gracchus.
Pedro Pascal will feature in the film as General Marcus Acacius, leader of the Roman forces, alongside Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who uses gladiators for sport. Stranger Things breakout actor, Joseph Quinn is getting dolled up to play the unsettlingly cold Emperor Geta.
Fred Hechinger will also be accompanying the cast as Emperor Caracalla. This role was initially set for Barry Keoghan, but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to play due to scheduling conflicts.
What Is the Plot of Gladiator II?
The official synopsis for Gladiator II, from Paramount Pictures, is as follows:
“From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.”
What Have the Cast Said About Gladiator II?
After seeing the images of Paul shirtless, we weren’t surprised when he shared in a Vanity Fair interview that he had undergone some serious next-level training in preparation for his role as Lucius.
“I just wanted to be big and strong and look like somebody who can cause a bit of damage when shit hits the fan. I think also, sometimes, one could, in striving for that perfect look, end up looking more like an underwear model than a warrior,” he said.
“Muscles start to grow, and that can be deemed aesthetic in certain capacities, but there is something about feeling strong in your body that elicits just a different feeling. You carry yourself differently… it has an impact on you psychologically in a way that is useful for the film.”
In the same interview, Pedro elaborated on his character’s brutal mindset that needed to be channelled during his on-screen battles with Paul, sharing “It’s brutal, man. I call him Brick Wall Paul,”
“He got so strong. I would rather be thrown from a building than have to fight him again. To go up against somebody that fit and that talented and that much younger…. Outside of Ridley being a total genius, Paul is a big reason as to why I would put my poor body through that experience.”
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When & Where Was Gladiator II Filmed?
Gladiator II began filming in June 2023, primarily in Morocco, with additional shots being filmed in Malta and the UK.
Filming was temporarily paused in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes. However, once the strike had ceased in November 2023, Gladiator II was one of the first titles announced to be resuming production. After months of strike-related delays, on January 17, it was reported that filming for Gladiator II had finally wrapped.
Is There a Trailer?
Prepare to be entertained! Check out the official trailer for Gladiator II below.
Gladiator II Release Date
Whether you’re a hardcore Gladiator junkie, or purely in it to see Paul’s 6-pack in 4K resolution (totally valid), make sure to mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this battle.
Gladiator II is set to release in theatres on November 22, 2024.
