CinemaCon was absolutely entertained this morningduring Paramount’s presentation on the final day of the film-centered convention. While clips from projects includingSmile 2andA Quiet Place: Day Onewere cause for excitement, it was the studio’s big finale that earned a positive uproar from the crowd. The hotly anticipatedGladiator 2marched into the theater with a five-minute teaser showcasing what audiences have to look forward towhen the film arrives on November 22.
Giving us the biggest opening that we’ve seen, a troop of gladiators literally strolled into the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Thursday morning to kick off Paramount’s presentation and pull attendees out of their sleepy haze. A video message from the film-turned-franchise directorRidley Scott, and its leading starsDenzel Washington,Paul Mescal,Connie Nielsen, andJoseph Quinn, teased the production that Scott referred to as, “Possibly even more extraordinary than the first.” As those of us in attendance saw from the teaser, the legendary city will come alive once again, something that Quinn noted in the featurette while reminiscing about hisbreathtakingfirst day on set, commenting, “I remember being completely floored thatthey built ancient Rome.”
‘Gladiator 2’ Teaser Promises More Bloodshed, Chaos, and Spectacular Battle Scenes
Presenting the audience with an unfinished clip of the film, whichfinished production back in January, the teaser starts calm enough, with a voiceover ofMescal’s Lucius Verussaying, “I remember that day, I never forgot it. That a slave could take revenge against an emperor. That a slave could get justice in the arena.” Now, Lucius is the man controlling the attention of the gazing eyes of the Colosseum as we watch the character, first introduced in the original film, take on everything from razor-toothed monkeys to a man on a rhino — continuously thwarting his attackers in masterful ways. The teaser also gave us a glimpse ata very handsome Pascal, the return of Nielsen’s Lucilla, Washington’s vengeful former slave, and an incredibly eerie-appearing Quinn who will masterfully portray the madness of a co-emperor —giving Joaquin Phoenix a run for his money.
Fire and rebellion were also part of the primary theme in the clip, asMescal and Washington’s characters both want the same thing - a change in rulers. As one could expect from the director whopreviously brought us epic battle scenes in titles such asNapoleon,Blade Runner,Alien, and the originalGladiator, there will be incredibly executed duels to the death not just between opponents in the Colosseum but also between rivaling armies.
All in all, the first look certainly didn’t disappoint, and we can’t wait for more. Stay tuned for more information to come as CinemaCon continues into its final day.Learn 2here in our handy guide.You can streamGladiatornow on Paramount+.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
Watch On Paramount+
