Paramount Pictures is preparing to bring Gladiator II to theaters, the eagerly awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator. With the film set to release this November, Empire Magazine has shared two new images and more details about the production.
The first image features Paul Mescal as Lucius, who must fight for survival in the dangerous Colosseum in Rome. As a prisoner, Lucius faces harsh conditions and ruthless emperors, Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).
The second image shows Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a brutal Roman general. He is depicted in battle, fully armored and ready for combat.
Ridley Scott, who directed Gladiator II, described it as “the best thing I’ve ever made,” though he acknowledged having “made a few good’uns.” Scott emphasized the film’s intense action, as shown in the images.
Paul Mescal discussed the physical challenges of playing a gladiator, saying, “I had always had a kind of latent ambition to do something that was more muscular and physical.”
He added, “We made an attempt to not feel slick. You’re feeling like their bodies are slowing down as they’re fighting. It’s not like ting-ting-ting! It’s more brutal. You’re feeling the fatigue.”
Gladiator II Features a Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts a large cast, including Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a former slave now leading his own group of gladiators. Other cast members are May Calamawy, Alexander Karim, and Rory McCann. Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen return as Lucilla and Senator Gracchus, roles they played in the original film.
Ridley Scott, known for films like Alien, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, and Blade Runner, directed Gladiator II from a script by David Scarpa.
Scott is producing the film with Michael Pruss under Scott Free Productions. Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher are producing for Red Wagon Entertainment, while Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are executive producers.
Gladiator II is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2024.
