Gladiator 2: date, info, cast… everything about the sequel to the 2000s best peplum

24 years after Gladiator, which became a cult film, Ridley Scott will make a sequel! When the filmmaker announced this project, there was surprise. How to make a second feature film after the triumph of the first one, which was self-sufficient?

The least we can say is that 85-year-old Ridley Scott still has the energy to start what promises to be one of the cinematic events of 2024! What’s more, the iconic director of Alien and Thelma & Louise will continue the period films with costumes.

Indeed, on November 22, the British will offer us a historical fresco of Napoleon with Joaquin Phoenix. This very ambitious feature film promises to be epic and might blow up by the end of the year!

In addition, the screenplay for Napoleon was written by David Scarpa, the artist whose pen also signed the screenplay for Gladiator 2. A safe bet who also collaborated with Scott on All the Money in the World.

Where is Gladiator 2 filming?

As of now, the film has not started shooting due to the writers and actors strike in Hollywood. The work is in pre-production and should be given the green light when an agreement is reached between all parties to end the social conflict. As you can see in the images below, dating back to April 2023, the construction of the set in Morocco for the needs of the feature film has begun.

A section of the Colosseum was also rebuilt on the island of Malta in July. You can see the impressive constructions in the photos below.

So when is GLADIATOR 2 coming out?

Although the strike has delayed filming, the release date is still set for November 20, 2024. If the social conflict continues, it is possible that the exit will be postponed until 2025.

Will Russell Crowe return?

Winner of 5 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe, Gladiator has become a great movie classic. The charisma of the character of Maximus, the interpretation of the actor who inhabited his role, was one of the reasons for the phenomenal success of the film.

However, logically, Russell Crowe did not contact the rest. To remind you, Maximus kills his wounds at the end of the first movie. However, the New Zealand comedian regrets not getting in touch. Asked on the RTE radio show, Crowe said:

“I think at some point they’ll call me and ask for something, but so far no one has contacted me. This sequel is a continuation of the original story, but the story takes place long after Maxime’s death, so. It doesn’t require my services at all. Got it Paul Mescal He’s a good guy, I wish him the best.”

Who will be the new hero after Maximus?

Indeed, it is the actor Paul Mescal who will become Russell Crowe’s place. He will play Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen in Gladiator) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

The boy was played by Spencer Trait Clark (Unbreakable) in the first film. Paul Mescal is known for his role as Connell Waldron in the TV series Normal People and was nominated for the 2023 Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Aftersun.

To interpret this character, 27-year-old Paul Mescal had to undergo intense training to gain muscle: “Every time someone asks me if I’ve started bodybuilding, I say, ‘How could you not see?’amused the actress, interviewed by Variety as part of the Independent Spirit Awards.

What is the story behind this second episode of Gladiator?

We don’t know much about the plot of this second part. The only information that can be revealed is this: 25 years after the events of the first episode, Lucius is still fascinated by Maximus’ journey and wants to follow in his footsteps.

So we can bet that this new hero will bravely fight in the arena and promises epic battle scenes. Note that the mother-daughter relationship between Lucius and Lucilla should be of great importance in the story.

Who will star in Gladiator 2?

Along with Paul Mescal, Ridley Scott invited the chosen actor. Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla. The legendary Denzel Washington and The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal will also be there.

Joseph Quinn, who was revealed thanks to his role as Eddie Manson in Stranger Things, also joined the adventure of Gladiator 2. The actor would be hired to play the great villain, Emperor Caracalla. 84-year-old Derek Jacobi will return in the costume of Gracchus 24 years after the first part. There are reports that Djimon Hounsou may also return to Juba.

Gladiator 2 hits theaters (hopefully) on November 20, 2024.