Later this week, Gladiator II will bring audiences back into the arena for more deadly combat with the fate of Rome at stake. Ridley Scott’s long-awaited epic stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, now an adult out for vengeance and following in the footsteps of Russell Crowe’s long-dead hero, Maximus. To do it, he’ll need to reconcile with his mother Lucilla, played by the returning Connie Nielsen, and survive being the instrument of ambitious politician Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington.
Also in the cast are Pedro Pascal as Roman commander Marcus Acacius, plus Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as deranged co-Emperors Geta and Caracalla.
A sequel to Gladiator was first considered in 2001, just a year after the Best Picture winner’s release. Many writers took a crack at it with many wild ideas for story, including at least one version that would have brought Maximus back from the dead.
Gladiator II is off to a good start, with $87M earned overseas and a Rotten Tomatoes score at 75%. You can read my early review here, but I can tell you it was one of the positive ones.
Here’s the 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 releases Gladiator II in theaters and IMAX on November 22nd.
