At 86 years old, Ridley Scott is busier than ever and working as fast ever. With Napoleon just months in the rear view (he also was a producer on Alien: Romulus), he’s back already with Gladiator II, a film more than a decade in the making and the sequel to his Best Picture Academy Award winner starring Russell Crowe.
Paul Mescal leads Gladiator II as Lucius, who is all grown up now and taking on the fight begun by his hero, Maximus. The film also stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, with Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen reprising their roles from the 2000 film.
This trailer adds a spoilery element so just be warned.
Peter Craig and David Scarpa wrote the screenplay. Scarpa worked previously with Scott on Napoleon and All the Money in the World.
SYNOPSIS: 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 the 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.
Paramount Pictures opens Gladiator II in theaters on November 22nd.
