Plot Overview:
Gladiator 2 follows Lucius Verus, the nephew of Commodus, portrayed by Paul Mescal.
The story takes place roughly 15 years after the original, with Lucius emerging as a warrior and dealing with the legacy of Maximus, whom he admired.
He has been distanced from his mother, Lucilla (played again by Connie Nielsen), and is now caught in a complex power struggle within the Roman Empire.
Key plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film is set to explore Lucius’s journey in the wake of Rome’s power struggles and his connection to Maximus’s ideals.
| Directed by | Ridley Scott |
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| Screenplay by | David Scarpa |
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| Based on | Characters created by David Franzoni |
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| Cinematography | John Mathieson |
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| Music by | Harry Gregson-Williams |
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| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
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Release dates
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Running time
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148 minutes |
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| Language | English |
| Budget | $250–310 million |
Cast:
Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator 2 boasts a high-profile cast:
- Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus
- Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general and Lucius’s rival
- Connie Nielsen reprising her role as Lucilla
- Denzel Washington as Macrinus, an arms dealer and former slave
- Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta
- Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla, Geta’s brother
Additional cast includes well-known actors such as Derek Jacobi and potentially a cameo by Russell Crowe, who played Maximus in the original film, through flashbacks or dream sequences.
Filming Locations:
Much of Gladiator 2 was filmed in Malta, a location famous for its historical architecture that evokes the ancient Roman Empire. Some scenes were also shot in Morocco, adding authenticity and richness to the film’s depiction of ancient settings.
Director and Production Background:
Ridley Scott, who directed the original Gladiator (2000), returns for this ambitious sequel, which dives into the politics and cultural shifts of ancient Rome. Known for creating iconic worlds, Scott has drawn parallels between the historical dynamics in Gladiator 2 and his other successful sequels, such as Alien prequel Prometheus.
Set to release on November 22, 2024, Gladiator 2 has already generated significant anticipation with its homage to the original film, promising both continuity and new storytelling dimensions.
