It seems impossible that it’s been 24 years, nearly a quarter century, since Ridley Scott’s Gladiator film was released. Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen, the film was an action epic that lived up to its title.
Now, Scott is back for the sequel, this time featuring an equally impressive cast of Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger and Paul Mescal, with Connie Nielsen returning.
Paramount Pictures released the new trailer and character posters for the sequel film today, and it certainly looks grand in scale. The action and visuals feel even more epic, which could be good, if handled with some restraint. The Gladiator world is one which felt more grounded, and hopefully Scott doesn’t stray too far from that with this follow-up.
The additions of Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington are particularly exciting, and the trailer shows Washington playing a character that looks to be full of secret machinations. I’m always excited to see a film where Washington gets to really enjoy himself.
Mescal, best known for his role in the romantic drama Normal People, is an interesting choice as the lead protagonist, Lucius. He looks to be filling the shoes of Crowe’s Maximus as the primary character fighting against the empire, and it will be interesting to see if Mescal can bring the physicality necessary for such a role.
Gladiator II premieres November 22, 2024 in theaters.
About Gladiator II:
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.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
