The story takes place two decades after the events of the original film starring Russell Crowe and is released 24 years after the first movie.
The Colosseum is roaring back to life with Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal clashing in the ring. Gladiator 2 unveiled its trailer on Tuesday, offering a thrilling sneak peek at Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel to the epic 2000 film Gladiator. The film also features Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington in significant roles.
The trailer opens with Lucius (Mescal), the grandson of the former Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (originally played by Joaquin Phoenix). Now an adult, Lucius recalls how the slave Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) avenged Emperor Marcus. In the sequel, Lucius lives in Numidia, a northern African region, where his mother has sent him to keep him safe from the Roman Empire. However, fate draws him back to Rome, this time as a gladiator.
Lucius reunites with his mother, who gives him Maximus’s ring, symbolizing Maximus’s enduring legacy. Enter Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), a Roman general trained by Maximus. As tensions rise, Lucius and Marcus find themselves battling in the Colosseum. Denzel Washington plays a wealthy powerbroker, delivering one of the trailer’s standout performances.
In the original film, Maximus is a Roman general who is betrayed by Commodus and reduced to slavery. He ultimately becomes a gladiator to avenge his family. Maximus also saves the lives of Lucius and Lucilla. Released in 2000, Gladiator received 11 Oscar nominations and won awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Gladiator 2 is set to release in theaters on November 15.
