Gladiator II: Trailers, Release date, new cast, Box-Office Stats, Reviews, Gladiator III?, & more About Ridley Scott’s epic Sequel
Gladiator II is finally making its way to the big screen after nearly two decades of anticipation, and the excitement surrounding this sequel is undeniable. The latest buzz surrounding Ridley Scott's highly awaited follow-up has been nothing short of electrifying, with new glimpses into the film that promise an epic spectacle.
Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal's characters are among the most talked-about, with fresh images showcasing Washington in a striking red robe and Pascal on the battlefield. As we inch closer to its debut, it’s clear that Gladiator II is set to not only continue the legacy of the original but elevate it to new heights.
The first Gladiator was a monumental success, earning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe’s iconic portrayal of Maximus. Now, 24 years later, the follow-up brings fresh faces and stories that will captivate audiences anew.
What exactly does the future hold for this legendary saga? How will Scott’s vision play out in this new chapter, and what secrets do the cast and crew have yet to reveal? There’s plenty to unpack.
Ready to dive into the details of Gladiator II? From plot twists to casting reveals, we’re breaking down everything you need to know—and trust us, the surprises don’t stop here. As more information comes in, we’ll keep updating this guide to make sure you’re always in the loop!
Release date & Where to Watch
Gladiator II will be released in cinemas in the United States on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. The film had its world premiere in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 30, 2024, and was released in the United Kingdom on Nov. 15, 2024. It is rated R for strong bloody violence.
Plot
Gladiator II takes place about 16 years after the original film, following the now-grown Lucius, the son of Maximus and Lucilla. Living as a farmer under the name Hanno in the African kingdom of Numidia, Lucius is thrust into a brutal conflict when the Roman army, led by General Marcus Acacius, invades his village, killing his wife Arishat and enslaving him.
Thrust into gladiatorial combat, Lucius is trained by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) and earns fame in the arena, while plotting revenge against Acacius for the death of his wife.
But soon after Lucius' true identity is revealed—he is the son of Maximus and Lucilla, a legacy he struggles to accept. As the film progresses, Lucius contemplates his quest for vengeance against Rome, torn between his desire for revenge and his father’s legacy.
The stakes rise as political intrigue unfolds, with the Roman emperors Caracalla and Geta embroiled in power struggles. Lucius becomes pivotal in a plan to overthrow the emperors and restore his grandfather’s vision of Rome.
As the film builds toward its climax, Lucius confronts Macrinus in a final showdown. The film ends with Lucius embracing his royal bloodline, aiming to restore peace to the Empire and continue his father's legacy, symbolized by his father’s ring, now in his possession.
The story explores themes of power, revenge, and the weight of legacy, leading to a powerful conclusion where Lucius is positioned as the potential savior of Rome.
Who’s in the cast of Gladiator 2?
- Paul Mescal (Aftersun) as Lucius
- Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius
- Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta
- Fred Hechinger (Kraven, The White Lotus) as Emperor Caracalla
- Derek Jacobi as Gracchus
- Yuval Gonen as Arishat
- Rory McCann as Tegula
- Peter Mensah (Avatar) as Jubartha
- Matt Lucas (Wonka, Bridesmaids) as Master of Ceremonies
- Connie Nielsen as Lucilla
- Tim McInnerny as Thraex
- Alexander Karim as Ravi
- Lior Raz (Operation Finale) as Viggo
- Line Ancel as Concubine
- Alec Utgoff as Darius
- Denzel Washington as Macrinus
- Lee Charles as Slovak
- Chidi Ajufo as Gladiator
Is There a Trailer for Gladiator 2?
The recently released Gladiator II trailer reveals a major twist: Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, is actually the son of Maximus, not Lucius Verus I as he had been led to believe. This revelation adds new depth to the legacy of Maximus and the character’s motivations.
The trailer showcases Lucius in the arena, fighting Pedro Pascal, while Denzel Washington's Macrinus delivers powerful lines about seizing power to restore order. The trailer also teases epic battles, including a flooded Colosseum filled with warships, highlighting the film’s grandeur.
The first Gladiator II trailer introduces a range of political motivations driving the characters, focusing on the power struggle within Rome. It highlights the tension between the ambitious twin emperors and Denzel Washington’s Macrinus, who appears more cunning and influential than expected. Lucius, the son of Maximus, is shown seeking vengeance against General Acacius for attacking his homeland.
The trailer also teases epic battles, including naval warfare and a thrilling rhinoceros fight in the Colosseum. The preview successfully conveys the grand scale and high stakes of the film, setting the stage for the long-awaited sequel.
Gladiator 2 Box-Office Stats, Critic Reviews, & Audience Reception
As per Variety, Gladiator II has made an impressive $87 million in its opening weekend across 63 international markets, marking the biggest overseas debut for Ridley Scott and Paramount Pictures for an R-rated film. The movie performed strongly in key markets like the UK ($11.4M), France ($10.3M), and Spain ($5.6M). Additionally, it saw a solid start in Germany, Italy, and Brazil, among others.
Despite its commercial success, Gladiator II has received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its visual spectacle and return to the iconic Colosseum setting, though some critics noted its plot hasn’t quite captured the same magic as its predecessor.
Audience reception has been generally positive, particularly for the action scenes and the performances of stars like Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
The film, with a $250 million plus budget, is expected to need strong global earnings to turn a profit. It has already made an impact in IMAX theaters, bringing in $7 million from 453 screens worldwide.
Is Gladiator 3 Happening?
Yes, Gladiator 3 is indeed in early development. Ridley Scott has confirmed that he's already started working on the script, with eight pages written so far. In an interview with Total Film (per GamesRadar+), he said, “I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint.”
This sequel could focus on Roman political intrigue rather than the familiar Colosseum action. Scott said, “If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…”
While Gladiator 2 has yet to be released, the excitement for Gladiator 3 is already building, and Scott is enthusiastic about continuing the story, especially exploring the power struggles in Rome. Stay tuned as more details emerge.
When & Where did Gladiator 2 film?
Gladiator 2 began filming in June 2023, with production kicking off in Ouarzazate, Morocco, followed by additional shoots in Malta, which stood in for ancient Rome. Filming also took place in the UK and Sussex, with some sequences shot in the South Downs at Devil's Dyke in June 2024. Filming was briefly interrupted in July 2023 due to the Hollywood labor disputes. The film wrapped in January 2024.
Check out the making of this epic movie in the video below.
Behind the Scenes
Ridley Scott, who received a Best Director Oscar nomination for the original Gladiator (2000), is returning to direct the highly anticipated sequel, Gladiator II. He is producing the film alongside Michael Pruss through Scott Free Productions, with Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment, and David Franzoni also producing. Raymond Kirk and Nigel Wooll are serving as executive producers.
The sequel will reunite several key members of the original film's creative team, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates.
While the first film's screenplay was crafted by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson, Gladiator II's script is written by David Scarpa. The epic historical action film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Gladiator II, featuring Ridley Scott and the cast, as the story continues.
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