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It’s been over 20 years since the monumental success of Gladiator, and the sequel is finally here. Gladiator II is shaping up to be the definition of epic. Director Ridley Scott returned to explore more of the Gladiator story, and the cast features some of Hollywood’s most talented breakout stars. Arguably the biggest stars in the world right now include Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and the protagonist himself, Paul Mescal, who plays the son of Maximus and is set to have a legacy of his own.
The first Gladiator made a whopping $503.2 million at the box office after its release in 2000. The film went on to win 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.
Joaquin Phoenix and Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator.’ (DreamWorks/Everett Collection)
Gladiator II has finally arrived in theaters, and Hollywood Life has rounded up all the latest updates, including details about the movie’s all-star cast and the roles they are playing.
Is Maximus In Gladiator II?
Let’s get one thing straight: Maximus is not in Gladiator II. Russell Crowe played Maximus in the 2000 film, and the role cemented him as one of Hollywood’s top stars. As fans will recall, Maximus dies at the end of Gladiator. Unless Maximus returned as a ghost, there’s not really an opportunity to bring back Maximus.
Russell previously addressed the possibility of Maximus’ return in Gladiator II. “I’m sure at some point in time they’ll want to ask me about something, but they haven’t brought anything up in a while,” the Oscar winner told The Ryan Tubridy Show in March 2023. “It’s an extension of the narrative, but it is long beyond Maximus’ passing, so it doesn’t really involve me at all. I hear that young fella Paul [Mescal] is a good dude and I wish him the best of luck with it. I think where they’re picking the story up from, a young Lucius, stepping into the role of emperor. I think that’s a very smart idea within the world of the film that we created.”
Russell Crowe won an Oscar for his role in ‘Gladiator.’ (DreamWorks/Everett Collection)
In another interview, Russell revealed that he had spoken to director Ridley Scott about the storyline for Gladiator II. “I know roughly how he’s shaping the story,” Russell told the Fitzy & Wippa Podcast. “But yeah, if you remember, there was a young kid who wanted to beat the Gladiator, which leads to the ‘My name is’ speech. So that young kid has grown up, and he’s now the Emperor. I don’t know what else happens at that point, so that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake. And it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like the day after, you know, 30 years later or something.”
He also admitted to Collider that he’s “slightly jealous” about the sequel. “Because I was a much younger man, obviously, and it was a huge experience in my life. It’s something that changed my life, really. It changed the way people regarded me and what I do for a living, and, you know, I’ve been very lucky to be involved in lots of big movies, but the legs on that film are incredible.”
With the film now out, the storyline is described as follows: “After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people,” according to IMDb.
Gladiator II Cast
The Gladiator sequel has become one of the top projects in Hollywood. You’re probably wondering: who is playing Lucius in Gladiator 2? Who is returning from the first film? Let’s break down the cast so far:
Paul Mescal will lead ‘Gladiator 2.’ (Tolga Akmen/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
Normal People breakout star and Oscar nominee Paul Mescal will play the adult version of Lucius Verus in Gladiator II. The sequel revolves around his character about 30 years after the final events of Gladiator. Lucius is the son of Lucilla and Commodus’ nephew. The role of young Lucius was played by Spencer Treat Clark in the 2000 film.
Connie Nielsen will return as Lucilla. (DreamWorks/Everett Collection)
Connie Nielsen returned as Lucilla in Gladiator II. She notably played the role of Lucilla in the 2000 film. She is the mother of Lucius and sister to Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. She was also Maximus’ former lover.
Djimon Hounsou will return to play Juba. (DreamWorks/Everett Collection)
Djimon Hounsou also reprise the role of Juba in the Gladiator sequel. Juba was Maximus’ closest friend and ally in the first film.
Joseph Quinn is in talks to join the sequel. (Shutterstock)
Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn took on the role of Emperor Geta in Gladiator II.
Jason Mendez/WireImage
Fred Hechinger portrayed the role of Emperor Caracalla in the second film.
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Denzel Washington also starred in Gladiator II as Macrinus. Deadline reported that Ridley Scott wrote Denzel’s role with the Oscar winner in mind. Denzel was reportedly “excited” about “the badass role” after reading the script.
Pedro Pascal at the 2023 Met Gala. (David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Pedro Pascal also joined the cast of Gladiator II, which he filmed during his Last of Us hiatus. He plays Marcus Acacius, the lover of Lucilla.
Gladiator 2 Release Date
Gladiator 2 was released on November 24, 2024, 24 years after the first film hit theaters.
Filming for Gladiator 2 began around May or early June 2023. Production was delayed to accommodate Paul Mescal, who continued playing Stanley Kowalski in the critically acclaimed stage production of A Streetcar Named Desire for six weeks when it transferred to the West End on March 20, according to Deadline.
In February 2023, Paul told Deadline that Gladiator 2 would film in the summer. “In the summer. I’m not sure when the exact start date is but soon,” he said.
Paul Mescal on the Irish contingent having a good time and ‘Gladiator 2’ #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/ANBY76rPBA
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) February 19, 2023
A Gladiator sequel has been gestating for years now, and director Ridley Scott has been planning ahead. “I’m already having [the next] Gladiator written now,” the director told Empire back in 2021. “So when I’ve done Napoleon, Gladiator will be ready to go.” Ridley’s Napoleon movie reunites him with Gladiator star Joaquin Phoenix.
