Vanity Fair has just released the first-look imagesatGladiator II, the epic sequel fromRidley Scottto his2000 Oscar-winning filmfeaturingRussell Croweand the photos look as if Scott hasn’t missed a beat. The highlights of the images has to be a stunning shot ofPaul Mescal’s Lucius on the attack againstPedro Pascal’sfallen Roman general Acacius, a man whom Scott says is in “deep regret with his life and doesn’t know where to go with it.”
The bloodied Lucius and Acacius are the focal point of these images, shown in an exclusive feature by the magazine. Pascal described how the film was shaped bythe legacy of Crowe’s Maximus, who died 20 years prior. “This movie has an identity that is shaped by his legacy. It wouldn’t make sense for it not to," he said.
We are also shown a first look atDenzel Washington’sMacrinus, a former slave turned merchant and arms dealer,Fred Hechingeras Emperor Caracalla,Connie Nielsenas Lucilla, Lucius' mother and reprising her role from the original, andJoseph Quinnas Emperor Geta, Caracalla’s brother.
What Was ‘Gladiator’ About?
Set in ancient Rome, the film tells the story of Maximus, a respected Roman general who is betrayed byCommodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Commodus murders his father to take the throne, and Maximus’s family is also killed. Sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator. It is here that Maximus uses his position as a favorite of the crowds to gain clout and influence amongst the people of Rome.
Despite his fall, he eventually succeeds, rising in respect and influence,aiming to avenge his family and the emperor by challenging Commodus. The film was a major financial and critical success, winning several Oscars, including Best Picture, and is credited with revitalizing interest in the historical epic genre. The performances of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, who both received Academy Award nominations, were particularly acclaimed.
Gladiator 2is due to release on July 12, 2025. Watch the trailer below.Gladiatoris streaming now on Paramount+. You can see the rest of the new images at Vanity Fair.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
