The trailer for the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 historical epic, Gladiator, aptly named Gladiator II, was jam-packed with action, appearing to use what the first film left open and elevating it to a whole new level. The final teaser for the forthcoming release goes even further, showing actors Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal going toe-to-toe in combat.
Production of Gladiator II (2024)
Filming officially wrapped on Gladiator II in January 2024. News first broke about the movie in December 2022, with a host of big-name Hollywood stars having signed on, including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
Director Ridley Scott confirmed in 2021 that the script for the sequel had been written, three years after the project was green-lit by Paramount Pictures. While the screenplay was initially slated to be created by Nick Cave, long-time collaborator David Scarpa instead provided the story.
At CinemaCon 2024, it was announced the sequel would have a simple title: Gladiator II. Along with this, Collider shared photos of a promotional stand for the film at the convention, which featured the quote, “What we do in life echoes in eternity” – a preview of sorts for those who can’t wait to sink their teeth into the feature.
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator is considered one of the best historical epics ever released, and it was the second-highest-grossing film of 2000, after Tom Cruise‘s Mission: Impossible 2. Starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, it centers on the betrayal of Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius by Commodus, the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
After learning Marcus Aurelius has pegged Maximus to secede him, Commodus kills his father and assumes the throne. He then orders the murders of Maximus’ family, who himself is stripped of his status and sold into slavery under a gladiator trainer. Seeking to avenge his loved ones’ deaths, the former general enters tournaments as a gladiator and rises through the ranks. His popularity skyrockets as he secures victory after victory.
Also starring the late Richard Harris and Oliver Reed, Gladiator earned over $460 million at the worldwide box office. Scott was praised for his script and directorial skills, while Crowe and Phoenix’s performances launched them into the spotlight. During the 2001 awards season, the movie won a number of accolades, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film, the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and five Oscars at the 73rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Gladiator (2000) was loosely based on real events
Gladiator‘s popularity is credited with reigniting public interest in the events of ancient Rome and Greece. It’s also said to have reinvented the dying sword-and-sandal genre of film.
The film is loosely based on events that occurred within the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD. Ridley Scott aimed to make the project as historically accurate as possible, hiring historians and advisors. That being said, he did take some artistic liberties with the script, which upset some of those hired to ensure Gladiator‘s authenticity.
Examples of this include the fact Marcus Aurelius wasn’t actually murdered by his son – his death was the result of the Antonine Plague, which swept through the Roman Empire during his reign. Additionally, the costumes weren’t historically accurate, with the helmets and armor coming from a different time period, and a number of weapons were used in an incorrect fashion.
What we know about Gladiator II (2024) so far
Gladiator II is set 25 years after the first film and will center around Lucius Verus II, portrayed in the original by Spencer Treat Clark. He’s the son of Lucilla and Lucius Verus, the former of whom was Commodus’ sister. The child served as co-ruler during Commodus’ reign in the 2000 movie.
While it was initially believed Clark would reprise his role, it was announced in January 2023 that Paul Mescal would portray Lucius Verus II in the sequel. Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla, while Derek Jacobi is slated to return as Gracchus.
Newcomers to the franchise include Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas and Stranger Things‘ (2016-present) Joseph Quinn. While Dunkirk (2017) star Barry Keoghan was slated to portray Emperor Geta, scheduling conflicts led the role to be given to Fred Hechinger.
The release of Gladiator II‘s official first trailer on July 9, 2024, was the first time worldwide audiences got a sneak peek at what’s to come in the epic sequel. All grown up, Lucius Verus II is as much a fighter as Maximus was, with various scenes showing him in action in the Colosseum.
What does Russell Crowe think of the sequel?
In a June 2024 interview uploaded to the Kyle Meredith with… YouTube Channel, Russell Crowe broached the topic of Gladiator II, admitting he’s actually a bit uncomfortable with the fact a sequel is being made.
“I’m slightly uncomfortable; the fact that they’re making another one, you know? Because, of course, I’m dead and I have no say in what gets done,” he told Meredith. “A couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘No, no, no. That’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’
“But, you know, I can’t say anything,” he continued. “That’s not my place. I’m six feet under. So we’ll see what that is like.”
The actor also added that he’s slightly jealous about not being involved in the production.
“I reflect back on the age I was when I made that film and all the things that came after it and the doors that particular movie opened for me,” he said. “So there’s definitely a tinge – and this is just being purely honest – a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy.”
Ridley Scott didn’t consult Russell Crowe for Gladiator II (2024)
Speaking of Russell Crowe, it doesn’t appear as though Ridley Scott cared much about the actor’s opinions regarding the sequel. Speaking in the September issue of Empire, the director revealed that he never consulted with Crowe when he was planning the story for Gladiator II, and for a pretty understandable reason.
“The plot, frankly, was right under our noses,” he told the publication. “I think it was so close under our noses that we thought it was too simple. I think [Crowe is] still one of the best actors in the world, and I think we have a good relationship. I hope we do. As long as he doesn’t start [expletive] about how he wasn’t consulted. Why would I? He’s dead!”
‘Biggest action sequence I’ve ever done’
In an interview with Empire, Ridley Scott opened up about the production of Gladiator II. Right off the bat, he discussed the very first scenes of the project, revealing, “We begin the film with probably the biggest action sequence I’ve ever done. Probably bigger than anything in Napoleon.”
The director also revealed how he integrated advanced computer technology with on-set filming to produce realistic scenes in the Colosseum. “Computerisation and AI – you have to embrace it,” he said. “I can have a computer read every molecule and wrinkle on a rhino and then cut it on a thick piece of plastic, absolutely as a rhino’s body, which is then tailored to a skeleton shape.
“I have this thing that can do 40 miles an hour, spin on the spot, wag its head and snarl,” Scott continued. “A two-ton rhino with a guy on its back! I mean, it’s a lot of fun.”
Release of the final trailer for Gladiator II
The second official trailer for Gladiator II dropped on September 23, 2024, packing more action into its 2:32 timeframe than we could have imagined. Featuring soaring settings and a look into Lucius’ motives for becoming the best gladiator, it shows Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal embracing the chaos and bloodshed of ancient Rome.
The final teaser for the film features much of the same action and intensity, with a voiceover narrating some of the many positive reviews Gladiator II has received in the lead-up to its theatrical debut.
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Gladiator II will premiere in North American theaters on November 22, 2024. It was released international on November 15.