Directed by Ridley Scott, the highly-anticipated film features Paul Mescal as Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (previously played by Joaquin Phoenix), who was killed by Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Set 20 years after the original “Gladiator,” the sequel takes place around 200 A.D.
Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and grandson of Marcus Aurelius, was originally portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the 2000 film. A character who idolized Maximus, Lucius now steps into the limelight, with Mescal leading the charge. Although Crowe’s Maximus will not return, the legacy of his character significantly influences the new storyline.
“Stranger Things” star Joseph Quinn joins the cast as the new Caesar, deciding the fate of the warriors, while Pedro Pascal plays a general and Denzel Washington takes on the role of a power broker. A teaser shown at CinemaCon depicted Mescal as a slave battling primates in the Colosseum and facing off against Pascal’s character.
The script for “Gladiator II” is penned by David Scarpa, who also wrote for Scott’s “Napoleon.” The film sees the return of original “Gladiator” collaborators, including costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max, along with director-producer Scott. Producing alongside Scott are Michael Pruss, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.
Filming took place in Malta, where Scott meticulously recreated the original film’s sets. Joseph Quinn revealed to IndieWire that Scott’s unique directing style involved using eight cameras simultaneously for single scenes, making the experience “life-affirming, amazing, and beyond anything I could’ve imagined.”
“Gladiator II” is set to premiere in theaters on November 22. The new film promises to blend intense action with deep philosophical questions about power, survival, and humanity. Check out the first look photos below for a glimpse into this epic continuation of the “Gladiator” saga.