Paramount Pictures has released the latest trailer for Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” The long-awaited sequel finds an older Lucius, living a quiet life away from Rome, forced back into the thralls of the Coliseum when a general (Pedro Pascal) invades his home. Making a vow of revenge on those who took everything away from him, Lucius now fights as a gladiator instead of being a spectator.
While “Gladiator 2” continues the revenge story started in the original film, there seem to be a few twists. The immediate one finds Lucius’s master (Denzel Washington) using Lucius as an instrument to help dethrone two emperors. Of course, Lucius has no interest in being a tool used by anyone.
Though the trailer sees Lucius quoting Maximus’s “I will have my vengeance” and “in this life or the next,” there is more to it than that. Apparently, based on what Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla said in the new trailer, Maximus could be Lucius’s father. Of course, the trailer doesn’t show us who Lucilla is speaking to, and the way the trailer is cut would seem to indicate that lineage, but we won’t know until the sequel is finally released.
Now it wouldn’t be much of a “Gladiator II” trailer without gladiators fighting one another. With the games evolving, the stakes are higher than ever and its becoming increasingly difficult to survive one of the games. Among the things that these gladiators have to fight are CG rhinos and baboons.
“Gladiator II” also stars Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Denzel Washington.
The film was written by David Scarpa, from a story he wrote with Peter Craig. It is produced by Douglas Wick, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Lucy Fisher, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., David Franzoni.
“Gladiator II” opens in theaters on November 22, 2024.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Gladiator II:”
From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
