Paramount Pictures has just delivered our first look atRidley Scott’s upcoming historical epic sequel toGladiator, and it certainly seems like “epic” is the right word to describe the action, withPaul Mescalfront and centerin a movie that is set to shoot him into superstardom. Set in the same universe as its predecessor,Gladiator IIresumes nearly twenty years after the first movie, with director Ridley Scott recently sharing insights into Mescal’s character. Lucius, last seen as the 12-year-old nephew ofJoaquin Phoenix’s Commodus, has spent 15 years in obscurity, estranged from his mother who fears he may be deceased.
“He’s playing Lucius. He’s been out in the wilderness, and has lost touch with his mother. His mother lost touch with him. She doesn’t know where he is. She thinks he might be dead.”
Gladiator II, the follow-up toRidley Scott’s 2000 Oscar-winning filmwhich starredRussell Crowe, will see at least two familiar faces reprising their roles:Connie NielsenandDerek Jacobi. The cast is primarily made up of rising stars like Mescal andJoseph Quinn, as well asFredHechinger. The film will also seePedro Pascalreteam withDenzel Washington, who previously shared the screen opposite each other inThe Equalizer 2. Pascal, who has been consistently juggling multiple projects,prioritizedGladiator IIonce filming resumed following the dual strikes last summer, returning to Scott’s set swiftly last November when filming was wrapping up.
The trailer features Washington’s Macrinus, a former slave turned merchant and arms dealer, offering to mentor Lucius and playing kingmaker in Rome, offering Lucius the chance to gain his own brand of vengeance. The initial footage showcases unbelievable war scenes, on a much grander scale thanGladiatordemonstrated. It also has plenty of throwbacks to the original film, including a very special connection offered by Lucilla to her son which ties his fate to that of Maximus (Crowe). Visually, the film looks stunning, and you can feel the combat with every smash of the blade. It looks like Scott has pulled it off once again.
What Was the First ‘Gladiator’ About?
The film is set in ancient Rome and follows the story of Maximus, a respected Roman general who is betrayed whenCommodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father to seize the throne. Maximus’s family is also murdered, and he is sold into slavery to become a gladiator. Despite his fall from grace, Maximus uses his position as a gladiator to gain popularity and influence.
His ultimate goal is to avenge the murders of his familyand Emperor Marcus Aurelius by challenging Commodus. It was an enormous financial and critical success, and met with acclaim, especially the performances of Crowe and Phoenix, who both received Academy Award nominations for their performances. It won several Oscars, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film is often credited as being pivotal in the revitalization of interest in the historical epic genre.
Gladiator IIis set to release on August 23, 2025. Watch the trailer below and relive the glory ofGladiator,which is streaming now 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+
