“Rome has stripped everything away from me,” declares Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, in the latest glimpse of Gladiator II. “But I will have my revenge.”
The new trailer for Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel features a blend of political drama, intense combat scenes, and even a rhinoceros making an appearance in the arena. One of the most unexpected moments comes when Lucius has a powerful conversation with his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). Lucius has always thought that his father was Lucius Verus I, but just before he heads into battle, Lucilla discloses the truth: his true father is the iconic Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, who was the central figure in the original Gladiator.
“Lucius, draw upon your father’s strength. His name was Maximus, and I see him within you,” Lucilla tells her son in the trailer, underscoring the legacy Lucius must embrace.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mescal shared that Scott had hinted at Lucius’ lineage during their initial meetings. “He brought it up in our discussions, but seeing it in writing and feeling that weight of responsibility is quite remarkable,” Mescal explained.
Alongside Mescal and Nielsen, the cast of Gladiator II includes Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla, and Denzel Washington as Macrinus. Washington’s character is a political operator who holds power over Lucius and trains him to become a gladiator, with aspirations of claiming the throne for himself.
Ridley Scott directs Gladiator II from a screenplay by David Scarpa, based on a narrative he co-created with Peter Craig. This sequel has been a long time coming—24 years to be exact—and is certainly shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of fall 2024.
A new legacy of rebellion will begin. Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger star in #GladiatorII – Only in theatres November 22. pic.twitter.com/u0Ul1Hs0IR
— Gladiator Movie (@GladiatorMovie) September 23, 2024
Gladiator II hits theaters on November 22, 2024.
