While not the most obvious film to get a sequel, Gladiator was a Best Picture winner in 2000 and a huge box office hit. Plans for a follow-up began almost immediately with some wild story ideas, including at least one that would’ve seen Russell Crowe’s deceased character Maximus returning from the grave. Thankfully, that didn’t happen, even it meant having to wait twenty-four years for Gladiator II, which stars Best Actor nominee Paul Mescal as a character deeply impacted by Maximus’ sacrifice.
Gladiator II stars Mescal as Lucius Verus, yes the grown-up version of that “I shall cheer for you, Spaniard” kid from the first movie. He’s also the son of Connie Nielsen’s noblewoman Lucilla, who returns to watch her adult son fight in gladiatorial combat, although she doesn’t recognize him since they’ve been estranged for years.
Also in the cast are Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Derek Jacobi who reprises his role as Senator Gracchus.
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 will release Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II in theaters on November 22nd.
