Gladiator 2 is finally in the works, and there is much to look forward to. It’s been over 20 years since Russell Crowe wowed audiences as Maximus in the original Gladiator, and it’s taken this long for a sequel to become a reality. Set to release near the end of 2024, the film will bring us back to the Roman Empire in the days when gladiators spilled blood in massive arenas to entertain the crowd. Of course, with Maximus gone and 20 years past in Gladiator‘s timeline, things are bound to look a little different in Gladiator 2, but this is sure to mean several new possibilities.
Filming for Gladiator 2 began in June 2023, so all the major details, such as plot, characters, and settings, are all laid out. The film is expected to pick up over 20 years after Maximus’ death, with Lucius, Lucilla’s son and heir to the Emperor, all grown up and living out his dream to follow in Maximus’ footsteps. A new emperor, Publius Septimius Geta, leads the Roman Empire, and this historical figure’s tragic end teases more intra-family murders to come. In all, it seems that Gladiator 2 will be the return that audiences have been waiting two decades for, with several elements that should make the film entirely worth it.
10 Paul Mescal As A Grown-Up Lucius
Gladiator 2 will feature a brand new gladiator.
Little Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus in Gladiator, will lead the sequel. Now all grown up, he has been revealed to have stepped aside rather than taking his place as Emperor. It’s assumed that he will be the new titular gladiator, which is exciting considering how much he revered Maximus. The role of grown-up Lucius has gone to Paul Mescal, best known for his leading role in the 2020 television series Normal People. Barring a striking resemblance to the actor who is supposed to be his uncle, Joaquin Phoenix, Mescal looks to be a perfect fit for the role, and it will be interesting to see how his fighting ability holds up to Crowe.
9 Gladiator 2’s Casting Of Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, & More
Gladiator 2 has thrown even more notable stars into the mix.
Gladiator 2 has a very exciting cast list, full of stars who will undoubtedly bring phenomenal performances to the sequel. Fred Hechinger (The Pale Blue Eye and Butcher’s Crossing) will play the new Gladiator Emperor, Publius Septimius Geta. Legendary actor Denzel Washington will play a former Gladiator who earned his freedom and has since lived a life of resentful luxury. Then, there’s Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas, who have all been confirmed to have roles in the upcoming film.
8 Epic Fight Scenes Using Modern CGI & Filming Quality
Gladiator 2 can refresh battle scenes with modern technology.
The most astonishing thing about Gladiator was the fight scenes. The choreography was excellent, the gore was revolting, and the brutal deaths were epic. However, when looking back on Maximus’ best fights 20 years later, they don’t hit home the same as they used to. Movie magic has come a long way, with CGI coming as close to reality as ever. Additionally, the experience at theaters (and even on home TVs) is several leagues above what it was back in 2000. Therefore, Gladiator 2 should bring the elements of the original that we know and love and set the bar even higher.
7 New Epic Battles Like The Gladiator Opening Scene
The Battle of Vindobona was one of the more shocking scenes of Gladiator.
Gladiator picked up with an epic battle scene, immediately gaining audiences’ attention while also demonstrating what a great leader and fighter Maximus was. It depicted war very differently from most movies, focusing on the horror and glory of the Roman Empire’s conquest. Though there is currently no indication that such a battle scene will be included in Gladiator 2, the fact that the opening Battle of Vindobona has become so iconic means that the sequel would be wise to include a similar moment. With a presumably higher budget and better filming opportunities than Gladiator, the scene would surely be incredible.
6 More Murders Within The Roman Royal Family
Historical characters of Gladiator 2 could hint at the film’s new schemes & murders.
Fred Hechinger has been teased to be playing Emperor Geta in Gladiator 2, and this news provides some subtle hints about the royal situation in the years since Commodus’ death. According to the history books, Geta headed the Roman Empire alongside his brother, Caracalla, and father, Septimius Severus. However, after Septimius Severus’ death, Caracalla wanted the “throne” for himself and murdered Geta. Though Gladiator 2 could take its own liberties with history, this sort of story would fit perfectly with the themes of the original movie and would likely mean trouble for Lucius as the former heir to Commodus.
5 Seeing How Maximus’ Legacy Has Impacted Rome 20 Years Later
It’s been 20 years since Maximus’ death – what has changed?
In Gladiator, Maximus’ time fighting in the arena had a profound impact on the Roman Empire. He was so beloved by the people that Commodus sought to publically eliminate him, leading to the emperor’s death instead. Gladiator 2 is expected to pick up 20 years after Maximus’ death, which means we will get to see the ripple effect of the first film. The man’s legacy has clearly affected Lucilla and Lucius, and Commodus’ death meant a new line of Emperors. Then, there are likely to be some changes to the deadly sport, thanks to Maximus’ legacy, with further exploration into the gladiators (both freed and imprisoned).
4 The Return of Juba From Gladiator
Djimon Hounsou will return to play Juba in Gladiator 2.
Fellow gladiator Juba was another great character in Gladiator, which makes the news that he will be around in the sequel another exciting prospect of the film. Actor Djimon Hounsou is expected to return to the role in Gladiator 2, though it’s unclear how things will have changed for Juba since Maximus’ death. The first film ended with the grateful gladiator paying his respects to the “Spaniard,” stating they would meet again one day. Juba’s presence in Gladiator 2 indicates that this has yet to happen—perhaps the enslaved man has since earned his freedom.
3 The Return of Lucilla From Gladiator
Connie Nielsen will return to play Lucilla in Gladiator 2.
Lucilla was a rather underrated character in Gladiator. She was in a constant state of fear after Commodus murdered their father, with her central priority being the safety of her son. Still, she put everything on the line to help Maximus, and it was Lucilla, in the end, who promised to keep the man’s legacy alive. If Lucius truly is a gladiator in Gladiator 2, it will be interesting to see what his mother thinks of this. Since Connie Nielsen has been promised to return for the sequel, there must be more to explore for her character. Given her strength, this can only mean great things for the plot of Gladiator 2.
2 The Potential Rebirth Of Movies Set In Ancient Rome
Gladiator 2 could inspire more movies centralizing the Roman Empire.
Movies set in Ancient Rome were all the rage in decades past, with films like Ben-Hur, Spartacus, and, of course, Gladiator bringing the fascinating subject of the Roman Empire into the limelight. Of course, many such films are wildly inaccurate, but there is something deeply appealing about how Hollywood has portrayed this time in world history. It’s been several years since another great Ancient Rome movie hit theaters, but that changes with Gladiator 2. Hopefully, this will get the trend started again, and similar movies will make their way back through popular culture.
1 A Return To Ridley Scott’s Best Movie Era
Ridley Scott is returning to some of his best works in the 2020s.
Ridley Scott has been producing blockbusters for decades, with films like Blade Runner and Alien having solidified themselves as some of the best movies of all time. Of course, any director making movies for that long is bound to have some low points as well, and his projects since 2010 have received inconsistent feedback from audiences. Though many were excellent, a specific flavor has been absent in recent years. Since Gladiator 2 will bring Scott’s 2000 film back into the limelight, it could be a sign that the director will get back in touch with what made films like Gladiator so iconic.
