“Gladiator 2”, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s legendary epic, is revealed in an epic trailer

It is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The first trailer of Gladiator 2, in theaters on November 13, was unveiled Tuesday, July 9 by Paramount Studios, in a video of just under 3 minutes posted on social networks and on YouTube. Ridley Scott, the director of the first opus, is once again behind the camera for the sequel to the legendary peplum released in 2000. Russell Crowe, who played the iconic Maximus, a fallen Roman general turned gladiator, will not be in the game, nor will Joaquin Phoenix, the unforgettable Commodus. The action of Gladiator 2 is still set in ancient Rome but several years after the plot of the first film.

The feature film focuses on the adventures of Lucius, the son of Maximus, who will be played by the young Irish actor Paul Mescal, nominated for the Oscar for best actor in 2023 for Aftersun. He is accompanied by the stars Pedro Pascal (Narcos, The Mandalorian, The Last of Us…), in the role of a Roman general, and Denzel Washington. Actress Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla.

The trailer immediately got fans talking on social media, with impressive footage of fights in the Coliseum and grandiose sets. The choice of music, a track by Kanye West and Jay-Z (No Church in the Wild), however, caused incomprehension among many Internet users, who would have preferred to hear a composition by Hans Zimmer again, as in the first film.

Gladiatorreleased 24 years ago, was a huge critical and commercial success, propelling Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix to international stardom. The film garnered five Oscars, including Best Actor for Crowe and Best Picture.