The anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2001 Oscar-winning historical drama is shaping up to be as epic as the first installment, according to the first images released Tuesday.
Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, The Martian) is once again directing, while Peter Craig (Top Gun: Maverick) and David Scarpa (Napoleon) co-sign the screenplay.
The action picks up two decades after the events of Gladiatorpublished 24 years ago. Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal, seen in Normal People And Aftersun), grandson of the former emperor Marcus Aurelius, lives in seclusion, far from Rome, with his wife and child.
Their peace is interrupted by the soldiers of General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), commanded by the brothers and emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), thirsty for conquest. Taken prisoner, Lucius will have to fight in the Colosseum in order to free Rome from its tyrannical rulers. On his way, he will meet Marcinus (Denzel Washinton), at the head of a group of gladiators, and will reconnect with his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, reprising her role).
Gladiator II will be released on November 22.