The arena is ready for a new batch of warriors asRidley Scott’sGladiator 2brings back the familiar cinematic world with new characters. The feature has been in the making for nearly two decades as the celebrated director searched for the right story and talent. The upcoming installment will followPaul Mescalas Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the former lover ofRussell Crowe’s Maximus in the original film.In a recent interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Scott gave fans some insight into the central character.
Gladiator 2will pick up almost two decades after the events of the original film. Speaking of Mescal, the director says, “He’s playing Lucius.” During the interview, the director recalls Lucius was around “12 years old” when we last saw him, and for 15 years, “he’s been out in the wilderness.” Adding that the character has “lost touch with his mother. His mother lost touch with him. She doesn’t know where he is. She thinks he might be dead.”
In the original feature, Crowe’s character is a Roman general who is sold as a slave and becomes a gladiator after his family is murdered whenhe refuses to serve Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). The story is one of vengeance that still captivates fans.Gladiator 2will pick up the pieces where the original feature left off.
‘Gladiator 2’ Has a Star-Studded Cast
Joining Mescal in the upcoming feature is Nielsen, as his mother Lucilla. They’ll be further supported byThe Last of UsstarPedro Pascal, whose character details aren’t revealed yet.Denzel Washingtonwill be playing a slave who won his freedom. Regarding his character,Scott previously revealed“He’s a rich guy who’s still carrying a grudge.” Elaborating, “There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive,” hinting at a life that never unfolded for Maximus, “So we went right into that, in-depth. Where did he come from? How was he taken? He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that’s how he comes into the story.”
The feature also castsDerek Jacobias Senator Gracchus,Djimon Hounsouas Juba, a former gladiator,Joseph Quinnas co-emperor Caracalla, andFred Hechingeras co-emperor Geta. The star-studded cast also includesMay Calamawy,Lior Raz,Peter Mensah, andMatt Lucas– all starring in undisclosed roles.
Gladiator 2is set forrelease on July 16, 2025.Gladiatoris now available on Netflix to stream.You can learn more about the sequel by following this link.
In ancient Rome, after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, loyal general Maximus is betrayed and sentenced to death by the new emperor, Commodus. Escaping execution, Maximus is enslaved and forced to fight as a gladiator, where his skills and honor lead him toward a path of vengeance and redemption.
