Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal stars in “Gladiator 2,” a Ridley Scott film that follows the story of Lucio Vero some 20 years after the events of the original film.
What is the plot of ‘Gladiator 2’?
“Gladiator 2” focuses on Lucio Vero (Paul Mescal), the son of Lucila we met in the first film. In this new installment we will be able to see his transformation into a gladiator after spending most of his life on the outskirts of the Roman Empire.
Along the way, he crosses paths with different personalities from the Roman Empire, while several secrets from his past come to light. So here we tell you which characters “Gladiator 2” They are based on real life people.
Lucio Vero II (Paul Mescal) in “Gladiator 2”
Lucio Vero himself is inspired by a real historical figure. However, for the purposes of the film, much of its essence was changed.
The real Lucius Verus II, son of Lucilla and Emperor Lucius Verus, died very young of unknown causes. In fact, very little is known about him.
Perhaps these gaps in his story were the perfect excuse to give the character a new twist in ‘Gladiator 2’. And if he hadn’t died so young, Lucius Verus could have aspired to the Roman throne as seen in the movie.
Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen in “Gladiator 2”
Indeed, Lucilla existed in real life. She was the second daughter of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina, sister of Commodus, wife of Lucius Verus I and mother of Lucius Verus II.
However, his story was modified for the purposes of Ridley Scott’s films. In “Gladiator” Lucilla kills Commodus thanks to Maximus Decimus Meridius, a fictional character played by Russell Crowe, and in “Gladiator 2” she is reunited with her son Lucius Verus II.
In real life Lucilla tried to assassinate Commodus to establish herself and her husband as co-emperors of Rome. But she didn’t make it, and was instead sentenced to exile along with one of her daughters. Later, both were eliminated by orders of Commodus himself.
Emperors Geta and Caracalla from “Gladiator 2” existed
Emperors Geta and Caracallaplayed by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger in “Gladiator 2,” are other characters who existed in real life.
They were twin brothers who ascended the throne after the death of their father, Emperor Septimius Severus, who wanted his sons to rule together.
However, their government as a whole failed miserably, largely due to the huge rivalry that existed between the two. His reign only lasted a year, as Geta was killed by a trap set by his brother.
After this, Caracalla ruled the Roman Empire from the year 161 to the year 180. He was a much-feared emperor, described as bloodthirsty and brutal, and his reign is remembered as one of the most unstable of the time.
Macrino (Denzel Washington) from “Gladiator 2” existed in real life
In “Gladiator 2” Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a nobleman of African descent who managed to become a Roman emperor. In real life, he was Caracalla’s successor and one of his closest colleagues.
Macrinus obtained the throne thanks to the loyalty of his soldiers, for when he proclaimed himself emperor the army showed its support without consulting the Senate.
He was considered a trustworthy man, but lived far from Rome to avoid controversy. Despite all his efforts to rule, Macrinus was murdered along with his son, and the kingdom was left in the hands of the 14-year-old Elagabalus.
Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
