The recently released trailer for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 features countless potential twists and characters, including a new emperor duo. The Gladiator 2 trailer now ranks among Paramount’s most-viewed trailers. The decision to reveal the new pallid-looking duo is more than its shock value. Its background teases a continuation of the themes and timelines explored in the first Gladiator movie.

Viewers will remember Commodus from Gladiator, played to his full sinister potential by Joaquin Phoenix. There is no historical evidence that he killed his father, Marcus Aurelius, but this ruthless betrayal is part of the narrative drive. The historical background of the two emperors in the sequel foreshadows a dark, heavy replacement for Phoenix in Gladiator 2.

Emperors Geta & Caracalla’s Real History Sets Up A Major Gladiator 2 Twist

There’s a wonderful symmetry about the second Gladiator having two emperors, but it’s not merely a stylistic choice; it’s based on real history. The true story of the emperors behind Gladiator 2 is the lives and rules of Caracalla and Geta in Ancient Rome. The franchise isn’t known for its historical accuracy, and historians have weighed in on the Gladiator 2 trailer, but the real-life stories of the fraternal rulers hint at a major twist in the upcoming movie. Their joint reign didn’t end well, providing the tragic heft the franchise is adored for.

Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) began their co-rule in the year 209. The brothers were constantly butting heads, and, at one point, even considered dividing their empire in half to make things less hostile, but their mother persuaded them against it. This would end in tragedy in 211 when, during a supposed reconciliation meeting no less, members of the Praetorian Guard, sworn to Caracalla, assassinated Geta. He died in his mother’s arms. Like many moments in Roman history, this could be a dramatic scene. Given their longstanding rivalry, most historians believe Caracalla orchestrated the killing.

Why Emperor Caracalla’s Betrayal Would Make Sense For Gladiator 2

Not only would the historical background of the two emperors in Gladiator 2 follow real-life history, but it would also follow the theme of familial betrayal. This is shown through Commodus killing his own father in the original Gladiator. 24 years ago, Joaquin Phoenix gave a formidable performance as the villain, with much of his dialogue reflecting his duplicity. One example is when he speaks to his father, Aurelius about not living up to his expectations:

“You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness, courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but… there are many forms of courage. Devotion, to my family and to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then it was as if you didn’t want me for your son.”

There is a tragic element to Commodus’ shortcomings, adding emotional depth rather than a cartoonish villainy. His ironic lack of devotion to his family through his actions also provides a sharp contrast to Maximus, who, in devotion to his family’s memory, declares himself “father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife.” The brilliant storytelling of Scott’s 2000 epic means the sequel has a lot of emotional weight to live up to. If the theme of family being continued is anything to go by, the familial betrayal in Gladiator 2 will rival the complex, intimate treachery of Commodus.