Gladiator 2: Everything to know about the new film starring Paul Mescal

Anticipation was sky-high for the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 smash-hit film Gladiator, which stars Normal People actor Paul Mescal. Before the film was finally released in November 2024, we were teased with first look images, an official trailer for Gladiator 2 and tidbits of information from starring cast - and we've gathered it all in one place for you

Joining Paul in the all-star cast is the likes of huge names such as Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. With the original film's director Ridley Scott returning for the sequel, it's fair to say it did not disappoint. Check out everything you could want to know about Gladiator 2...

WATCH: Gladiator 2 official second trailer

The second official trailer was released on Monday 23rd September, with the caption: 'Strength and honour. The new #GladiatorII trailer is here. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, in cinemas November 15'. (sic)

WATCH: Gladiator 2 official first trailer

The first trailer was released on Tuesday 9th July with the caption: 'From director Ridley Scott, watch the new Official Trailer for #GladiatorII starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger - Only in theatres November 22'. (sic)

With the original film having been released 24 years ago, and the upcoming sequel - officially titled Gladiator II - featuring a star studded cast, it's fair to say fans were excited by the trailer's release, with one writing: 'LET'S GOOOOOO!' and another adding: 'I’m seated️ ⚔️'. (sic)

First look images of Gladiator 2:

The first trailer was released on 9th July, one week on from Paramount Pictures and Vanity Fair sharing the thrilling first look images at the upcoming film. Featuring starring cast such as Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, we even see the legendary Ridley Scott at work with Paul on set, bringing that original Gladiator magic back to life.

Who is in the cast?

The Gladiator 2 cast is rather impressive, to say the least, featuring both new and returning stars. Of course, leading the film in his starring role is Paul Mescal, as Lucius, with other A-list names such as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and the iconic Connie Nielsen joining.

Denzel will be playing the role of former slave Macrinus, with Pedro appearing as the disgraced general Marcus Acacius.

Connie returned to play Lucius’ mother, while we will saw new names such as Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger appear, taking on the roles of co-emperors Caracalla and Geta. Joseph shot to fame back in 2022, when he appeared as Eddie Munson in the epic Stranger Things - whilst you may also recognise Fred Hechinger for his role as Quinn Mossbacher in season one of The White Lotus.

Other names that feature in the Gladiator 2 cast include Tim McInnerny, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas, May Calamawy and Alexander Karim.

Who does Paul Mescal play in the Gladiator sequel?

Paul's lead role in the film is that of Lucius Verus - with bosses writing: 'The sequel to the 2000 film picks up in the years after Russell Crowe’s Maximus gave his life upending the leadership of the Roman Empire. Mescal plays Lucius, last seen as the young son of Lucilla, Nielsen’s noblewoman from the original movie.'

At the end of the original Gladiator film, released back in 2000, Lucius' storyline is left rather open-ended, after his life came under threat thanks to Commodus threatening Lucilla. After Commodus and Maximus' epic final battle, which ended with both characters dead, it seemed implied that Lucius may have a chance at a better future, under a new emperor.

Speaking about what the film is really about, Paul stated: "What human beings will do to survive, but also what human beings will do to win. We see that in the arena, but also in the political struggle that’s going on outside of my character’s storyline, where you see there’s other characters striving and pulling for power.

"Where’s the space for humanity? Where’s the space for love, familial connection? And ultimately, will those things overcome this kind of greed and power? Those things are oftentimes directly in conflict with each other."

What is the Gladiator 2 plot?

Sharing the first look images and a sneak peek at the upcoming Gladiator sequel, Vanity Fair also gave us an insight into the plot we can expect to see unfold. Picking up on Lucilla's storyline, decades on, we learn that she sent Lucius to the northern coast of Africa when he was still a child. Just outside the reach of the Roman Empire, he came of age in a region called Numidia.

Although his mother's intentions were good, it is reported that as Lucius grows stronger, so does his resentment...

The official synopsis reads: 'From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people'.

Does Russell Crowe feature in the film?

With Russell Crowe's character, Maximus Decimus Meridius, meeting his demise at the end of the original film, it would be fair to say that working his return into the sequel is a rather tricky task. While director Ridley Scott allegedly explored the possibility of the iconic actor returning, albeit most likely through flashback scenes, ultimately, this did not come to fruition and Russell Crowe did not feature in the Gladiator sequel.

Speaking on Gladiator 2, Russell Crowe told the podcast Kyle Meredith With...: "I am slightly uncomfortable with the fact that they’re making another one because of course I’m dead and I have no say in what gets done."

He then continued to discuss the sequel's plot, adding: "A couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, 'Hmm, no no no no no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.' But, I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six feet under so we’ll see what that is like."

Despite the actor's bias towards the legendary original film, it's clear he has faith in the talented director that is Ridley Scott, with the actor singing his praises and adding: "Ridley Scott deserves an Academy Award for that film".

Gladiator 2 release date:

Gladiator 2 hit cinemas in the UK on 15th November 2024 - a week before it landed in the US, on 22nd November.

With the upcoming musical Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, moving its release date to the same day as the US, it looks like we could have another Barbenheimer situation on our hands, with the films likely to go head-to-head - did someone say... Wickediator?

Check out other films out in 2024 and their release dates:

Now read:

Paul Mescal: His amazing career so far

16 classic films that made an epic comeback

Here's where you've seen the cast of Normal People before

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