Gladiator II: Everything We Know About the Highly Anticipated Sequel

A new Gladiator is entering the arena—are you not entertained? The upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed 2000 blockbuster, Gladiator, sees Paul Mescal taking on the role of Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). The original film starred Russell Crowe as a Roman general who is betrayed, sold into slavery, and forced to become a gladiator by the corrupt emperor Commodus. Gladiator earned over $460 million worldwide and garnered 12 Academy Award nominations, winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor. With such a legacy, its successor has big sandals to fill.

As we prepare to re-enter the arena, Entertainment Weekly is gathering all the intel, from cast details to production updates. Here’s everything we know so far about Gladiator II.

What’s the Title?
Previously referred to as the Untitled Gladiator Sequel or Gladiator 2, the official title is stylized as Gladiator II, revealed at CinemaCon in April.

Returning Cast and Characters
Paul Mescal plays Lucius, who is sent to Numidia on Africa's northern coast by Lucilla to shield him from Rome's corruption. However, Roman forces, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), eventually capture Lucius, thrusting him into the arena. Denzel Washington joins the cast as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who uses gladiators for sport.

Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla, and Derek Jacobi returns as Gracchus. New cast members include Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla and other stars like May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas, though their roles remain under wraps.

Spoiler Alert!
In the original film, Maximus killed Commodus in the Colosseum and died from his wounds. Given their fates, it’s unlikely they will appear in the sequel, and Crowe has indicated he is not involved, expressing a bit of jealousy about the project. Yet, in Hollywood, a ghostly cameo or flashback is always a possibility. After all, Maximus' famous dying words were, "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

Is Ridley Scott Returning to Direct?
Yes, Ridley Scott, who received a Best Director Oscar nod for the original film, will direct the sequel. He is producing alongside Michael Pruss through his production company, Scott Free. Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher from Red Wagon Entertainment, along with David Franzoni, will also produce, with Raymond Kirk and Nigel Wooll serving as executive producers.

Several artists who brought the original Gladiator to life are returning, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates.

Who is Writing the Screenplay?
The original film’s screenplay was penned by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. For the sequel, David Scarpa is taking the reins. Known for The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Man in the High Castle, Scarpa has previously collaborated with Scott on All the Money in the World and Napoleon.

Is There a Trailer or Footage?
The first trailer introduces the major players and their political motivations, from the power-hungry twin emperors to Washington's Macrinus, who seems more influential than initially known. It hints at Lucius' quest for revenge against General Acacius for the invasion of his homeland and showcases naval and rhino battles in the Colosseum.

A major revelation in the second trailer reveals that Lucius is actually the son of Maximus (Crowe from the first film) rather than Lucius Verus I, a belief he held throughout his life. This twist has significant implications for both films, enriching the narrative surrounding Maximus’ legacy highlighted in the sequel’s promotional material.

The first footage premiered at CinemaCon 2024 but has yet to be publicly revealed. For more insights into what Entertainment Weekly saw and its implications for the film, readers can explore their coverage.

When Does It Come Out?
Gladiator II is currently slated for release in theaters on November 22, 2024. With anticipation building, fans are eager to see how this sequel will honor the legacy of the original film while forging its own path in the arena.

click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here
click here