Gladiator 2, the much-anticipated sequel of the first Gladiator film that captivated audiences worldwide, is set to hit theatres this November after 24 years.
Vanity Fair has unveiled first-look images, showcasing a star-studded cast that includes Paul Mescal (Normal People), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian), Denzel Washington (The Equalizer, The Magnificent Seven) and Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, Wonder Woman).
Paul Mescal steps into the sandals of Lucius Verus, the grown-up son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the grandson of former emperor Marcus Aurelius. The first images reveal Mescal clad in full gladiator armour, echoing the iconic look of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, who will not appear in the sequel as his character died in the first film.
The storyline picks up decades after Maximus’ death. It centres on Lucius, navigating a treacherous path that leads him back to Rome as a slave, only to reunite unexpectedly with his mother. The narrative weaves through the dark corridors of power, as Lucius grapples with his legacy and seeks his place in a world ruled by corrupt emperors Caracalla and Geta, portrayed by Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, A Quiet Place: Day One) and Fred Hechinger (Kraven the Hunter), respectively.
Pedro Pascal plays the formidable Roman general Marcus Acacius, a character inspired by Maximus. According to Vanity Fair, Acacius was a junior officer under Maximus, shaping his military prowess and moral code. Pascal describes Acacius as a fighter who, while influenced by Maximus, is ultimately a distinct and complex individual.
Director Ridley Scott returns to helm this ambitious project, promising intense battle scenes reminiscent of the original Gladiator, which won five Academy Awards. Gladiator 2 promises to expand on the first film, exploring themes of honour, power, and redemption. With a blend of new characters and returning veterans like Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus, the sequel aims to bridge the past with a fresh narrative thrust, potentially setting the stage for a new franchise era.
Step into the Gladiator 2 Colosseum on 22 November.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Kaylyn Lim
Yonk
