Gladiator II: What We Know About the Upcoming Sequel

Gladiator II: What We Know About the Upcoming Sequel

A new gladiator is entering the arena — are you not entertained? The upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed 2000 blockbuster Gladiator is set to follow the story of Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who was portrayed by a young Spencer Treat Clark in the original film. The first Gladiator starred Russell Crowe as a Roman general who is betrayed, sold into slavery, and forced to become a gladiator by the corrupt emperor Commodus. The film earned over $460 million worldwide and was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor. With such a legacy, the sequel has big sandals to fill.

As we prepare to enter the arena once more, Entertainment Weekly is gathering all the intel, from the cast donning togas to the directing and production teams. Here’s everything we know so far about Gladiator II.

What’s the title?
Paramount Pictures initially referred to the film as the Untitled Gladiator Sequel or Gladiator 2. However, at CinemaCon in April, it was revealed that the official title is stylized as Gladiator II.

Casting Details
Aftersun star Paul Mescal will play Lucius, who is sent to Numidia on the northern coast of Africa by his mother, Lucilla, to shield him from the corruption of Roman society. However, Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invade Numidia, capturing Lucius and bringing him to the arena. Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who uses gladiators for sport.

Returning to the cast is Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, who previously teased the film's progress in a 2020 interview with EW. Fred Hechinger (from Kraven and The White Lotus) joins as Emperor Caracalla, while Joseph Quinn portrays Emperor Geta. Legacy cast member Derek Jacobi will reprise his role as Gracchus. Other stars include May Calamawy (Moon Knight), Lior Raz (Operation Finale), Peter Mensah (Avatar), and Matt Lucas (Wonka, Bridesmaids), though their roles remain under wraps.

Is Ridley Scott Returning to Direct?
Yes, Ridley Scott, who received a Best Director Oscar nod for the original film, will direct the sequel. He is also producing alongside Michael Pruss through his production company, Scott Free, with Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment and David Franzoni serving as producers. Raymond Kirk and Nigel Wooll will executive produce.

Several other artists from the original Gladiator are returning, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates.

Who is Writing the Screenplay?
While the first film's screenplay was penned by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson, David Scarpa is responsible for the script this time. Scarpa is known for The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Man in the High Castle, as well as previous collaborations with Scott, including All the Money in the World and Napoleon.

Is There a Trailer or Footage? 2025
The first trailer introduces all the major characters and their political motivations, from the power-hungry twin emperors to Washington's Macrinus, who seems to have a significant influence. It also teases Lucius’ desire for revenge against General Acacius for the attack on his homeland, along with naval and rhino battles in the Colosseum.

The second trailer reveals a crucial twist: Lucius is, in fact, the son of Maximus (Crowe's character in the first film) and not Lucius Verus I, as he had been led to believe. This revelation holds major implications for both films and adds depth to the Maximus lore showcased in the sequel's promotional material.

While the first footage premiered at CinemaCon 2024, it has yet to be publicly released. You can read about what EW saw and what it means for the film.

When Does It Come Out?
The sequel to Gladiator 2 is currently slated for release in theaters on November 22, 2024.

Spoiler Alert! In the first film, Maximus baited Commodus into the Colosseum arena and killed him, ultimately dying from his wounds. Given their fates, it’s highly unlikely they will appear in the sequel. Crowe has hinted at his non-involvement, stating he feels "slightly jealous" of the project. However, in Hollywood, a ghostly cameo or flashback is never out of the realm of possibility, especially with Maximus’ famous dying words: "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

As anticipation builds for Gladiator II, fans eagerly await the return to the arena and the continuation of this epic saga.