After an initially absurd idea, Gladiator 2 has now become reality. We gather everything you need to know and reveal what the sequel will be about.
The 2001 Oscar-winning sandal film epic Gladiator starring Russell Crowe is getting a sequel. After two decades, Ridley Scott returns to the sands of the arena to follow up on his hit. But what can be told after the actually perfect ending? We provide you with the overview of the sequel developments of Gladiator 2 including the cast around Paul Mescal, the start date, the plot and more with constant updates.
Ridley Scott’s Sequel: What is Gladiator 2 about?
The biggest question after the epic ending of Gladiator is, of course, what can possibly be told in Part 2? Maximus has avenged the death of his family and can now roam the golden barley fields in the afterlife. Is there really a need for a sequel?
According to Deadline, it was clear that Gladiator 2 would not simply tell the story of a new arena fighter, but would instead pick up “at a logical point” because, according to the director, “there are enough components in the first film that we can continue with.”
Still, it won’t be a direct sequel: the Gladiator sequel will be set 25 years after Part 1 (i.e., around 200 AD). The new main character will be Lucius, the nephew of adversary Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).
Young Lucius was saved from his uncle by Maximus in Gladiator. In the meantime he has grown up. But what kind of man has he become? According to Russel Crowe, he is now the emperor. What legacy does he have to carry, and does Part 2 combine this burden with the unresolved question of Lucius’ biological father?
In recent years, other plot elements have also circulated through the media, shedding light on such things as corruption in Rome and the imperial guard force of Praetorians. The magical resurrection of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, including fantasy elements and limbo, has since (thankfully) been scrapped. A reunion with Maximus kept Ridley Scott open: “He is dead. But there is a way to bring him back. Whether that will happen, I don’t know.”
Gladiator 2 Release Date
In a Deadline interview, Ridley Scott stated in 2021 that Gladiator 2 was already written. It was to be his next project after Napoleon. The start of filming for Gladiator 2 was scheduled for May 2023, but then postponed to the summer. His workout before filming started lead actor Paul Mescal did not want to share because he thought it was “not interesting”.
In the U.S., the sandal movie sequel has already been given a release date: November 22, 2024.
As early as 2001, a prequel or sequel (or both in one film) was under discussion. But numerous ideas and screenwriters failed to get the job done. In 2006, Paramount secured the rights to the sequel, and in 2018 the studio announced it had given the project the green light. This finally allowed a team to be assembled in front of and behind the camera.
Gladiator 2 Cast & Crew: Who’s in the Gladiator sequel besides Paul Mescal?
Unless Ridley Scott is going to shoot flashbacks (or ghostly apparitions) with actors Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, who have aged 20 years, a reunion with the dead seems rather unlikely. Nevertheless, a look at the already known actors:ins is exciting. Especially after the new lead actor of Gladiator 2 was targeted in the casting.
The Cast of Gladiator 2: Who will return in front of the camera?
- Paul Mescal is negotiating for the lead role, so they could play Lucius.
- Whether Spencer Treat Clark returns, who had embodied the young Lucius in Gladiator, is thus uncertain.
- Connie Nielsen could be rumored to return as Lucilla.
- Djimon Hounsou would have the possibility as former slave Juba a renewed appearance, but nothing is confirmed.
The Team Behind Gladiator 2
- Ridley Scott (Alien) will direct the sequel, as he did with Gladiator.
- David Scarpa (All the Money in the World) wrote the screenplay.
- Dariusz Wolski (Pirates of the Caribbean) is the cinematographer.
- Janty Yates (The Martian) will contribute costumes as she did on Gladiator.
- Arthur Max (Seven) is once again doing the set design after Gladiator.
