With reported setbacks threatening to derail any hopes of a sequel, it’s finally been confirmed that Gladiator will return to the big screen more than two decades after the initial release of the 2000 epic. Here’s everything we know.
Celebrated British director Ridley Scott has certainly been busy over the last few years, releasing five feature films in the last six years during a time when many people his age would start to consider taking it easy; but of course, that’s not exactly Scott’s style.
More than 20 years after the release of the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning Gladiator – and not without a litany of setbacks – Scott returns to continue the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, years after the events of the 2000 epic.
The film featured a classic and engaging story of revenge, redemption, and sacrifice as Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, sought revenge on the Empire for the betrayal and murder of his family. Gladiator 2 will pick up years after the final moments of the first film.
All the Money in the World and Napoleon writer David Scarpa continues as Ridley Scott’s trusted writing partner, penning the script for the sequel.
Here’s everything we know about Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2
Gladiator 2 Plot
Ridley Scott will return to helm the long-awaited sequel to, arguably, his greatest-ever work, Gladiator, more than 20 years after the original movie was first released.
Rather poignantly, this is also where Gladiator 2 will pick up the proceedings, 20 years after the dramatic final moments in the original film in which – spoilers – Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, rallies to defeat the evil emperor, played by Joaquin Phoenix, before meeting a poetic end.
Gladiator 2 will follow Lucius, the now-grown nephew of Commodus. The young Lucius had the front-row seat to Maximus’ public death at the hands of his emperor uncle; Gladiator 2 will explore his story as he steps into the role of emperor, as revealed by Russell Crowe.
“I think where they’re picking the story up from, a young Lucius, stepping into the role of emperor,” Crowe said. “I think that’s a very smart idea within the world of the film that we created.”
Gladiator 2 Cast
Paul Mescal (Aftersun, Normal People) will lead an all-star cast as Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus, 20 years after the events of Gladiator. Connie Nielsen returns to her role as Lucilla, Lucius’ mother and the older sister of Commodus.
The internet’s favourite actor Pedro Pascal joins the project alongside Little Britain actor Matt Lucas and Spartacus alumni Peter Mensah, although their roles are not yet confirmed.
Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn will make his big screen debut as co-Emporer Caracalla, whilst White Lotus star Fred Hechinger will adopt the role of co-Emporer Geta, Quinn’s onscreen brother.
Gladiator 2 Denzel Washington
Hollywood royalty Denzel Washington has been confirmed as the ‘Russel Crowe’ replacement for Ridley Scott’s epic sequel. The Training Day actor will play a former gladiator who earned his freedom, similar to Crowe’s character Maximus Decimus Meridius in the original film.
It’s even been reported that Washington’s reformed gladiator holds a similar grudge against the all-conquering Roman Empire, and is bent on revenge.
Gladiator 2 Release Date Australia
Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator 2 is slated to release in cinemas in Australia on 21 November 2024.
Gladiator 2 trailer
There is currently no trailer available for the upcoming Gladiator 2 movie.