The film sequel Gladiator 2 is currently becoming a reality in Ridley Scott’s hands. We compile everything you need to know and inform you about the start, cast, plot, shooting accidents, the strike break and more
The 2001 Oscar-winning sandal movie epic Gladiator with Russell Crowe is getting a sequel. After two decades, Ridley Scott returns to the sands of the arena to follow up his hit. But what else can be told after what should have been the perfect ending? We provide you with constant updates on the sequel developments of Gladiator 2, including the growing cast around Paul Mescal, the start date, the plot and more.
When will Gladiator 2 be released in cinemas?
Back in 2021, Ridley Scott declared that the Sandals movie sequel had been written. It became his next project after Napoleon. As things stand, Gladiator 2 will be released in Germany on November 21, 2024, but could be delayed due to the Hollywood strike by screenwriters and actors.
(Gladiator: Russell Crowe)
A prequel or sequel (or both in one film) was already being discussed in 2001. However, numerous ideas and screenwriters failed to complete the task. In 2006, Paramount secured the rights to the sequel, and in 2018 the studio announced that it had given the project the green light. A team was finally assembled in front of and behind the camera. Gladiator 2 is a British-American co-production
Ridley Scott’s sequel: What is Gladiator 2 about?
The biggest question after the epic ending of Gladiator is, of course, what else can be told in part 2? Maximus has avenged the death of his family and can now roam through golden barley fields in the afterlife. Do we really need a sequel?
You can stream Gladiator on Netflix and Amazon Prime
According to Deadline, it was clear early on that Gladiator 2 would not simply tell the story of a new arena fighter, but would instead pick up “at a logical point” because, according to the director, “there are enough components in the first film that we can continue with”.
Nevertheless, it will not be a direct sequel: the Gladiator sequel is set 25 years after part 1 (i.e. around the year 200 AD). The new main character will be Lucius, the nephew of enemy Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).
(Gladiator: Lucius and Lucilla)
Young Lucius was rescued from his uncle by Maximus in Gladiator. He has now grown up. But what kind of man has he become? According to Russel Crowe, he is now the emperor. What legacy does he have to bear and does Part 2 combine this burden with the unresolved question of Lucius’ biological father?
In recent years, the media have also been buzzing about other plot elements, such as corruption in Rome or the imperial guard troop of Praetorians. The magical resurrection of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, including fantasy elements and limbo, has now (thankfully) been scrapped.
Unexpectedly, Ridley Scott also revealed to the New Yorker in advance that Gladiator 2 would feature a big fight with apes, in which Lucius has to defend himself against baboons. As carnivores, this animal species had subsequently disturbed the director.
Ridley Scott initially kept an open mind about a reunion with Maximus: “He’s dead. But there is a way to bring him back. Whether that will happen, I don’t know.” – However, Russell Crowe was later not approached. Therefore, it will probably amount to an implied homage to the first film, while part 2 otherwise stands on its own.
Cast & Crew: Who’s in the Gladiator sequel alongside Paul Mescal?
Unless Ridley Scott is filming flashbacks (or ghostly apparitions) with actors Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, who have aged 20 years, a reunion with the dead is unlikely. As the star of the first film, the Maximus star confirmed that he has not been involved so far and is even “a bit envious”. Crowe quickly got tired of the constant questions about his involvement in Gladiator 2 and issued a clear refusal . Instead, he preferred to look for German accordion players.
Nevertheless, a look at the already known actors is exciting. Especially after the new leading actor of Gladiator 2 was cast. Ridley Scott revealed to Total Film that he simply couldn’t forget Paul Mescal after seeing him in Normal People
The cast of Gladiator 2: Who’s returning in front of the camera?
Paul Mescal takes on the lead role of the adult Lucius
Connie Nielsen became the first returnee from the original, reprising her role as Lucius’ mother Lucilla
Djimon Hounsou returns as former slave and gladiator Juba from the first Gladiator film
Derek Jacobi is back as Senator in his old Gladiator role of Gracchus
Fred Hechinger (White Lotus) plays the (historically real) Roman emperor Geta
Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) plays Geta’s co-emperor Carcalla
Denzel Washington will be seen in the mysterious role of a “rich man with revenge on his mind”, according to Total Film 
Pedro Pascal has a role that, despite speculation about a second Gladiator , is still unknown
May Calamawy (Moon Knight) plays an as yet unknown role
Lior Raz (Fauda) plays an unknown
Matt Lucas (Alice in Wonderland) is part of the cast with an unknown part
Peter Mensah (Avatar) is part of the cast in an unknown role
Chi Lewis-Parry plays Phoebus
It is uncertain whether Spencer Treat Clark, who played the young Lucius in Gladiator, will return
The actor originally cast as Emperor Geta, Barry Keoghan, had to leave Gladiator 2 due to scheduling difficulties and was replaced by Fred Hechinger.
Lead actor Paul Mescal revealed that he was “too scared” to speak to Pedro Pascal, who was cast as a supporting actor and whom he held in high esteem, at the start of filming
The team behind Gladiator 2
Ridley Scott (Alien) will direct the sequel, as he did with Gladiator
David Scarpa (All the Money in the World) has written the screenplay
Dariusz Wolski (Pirates of the Caribbean) is director of photography
Janty Yates (The Martian) will contribute the costumes, as she did for Gladiator
Arthur Max (Seven) will once again be responsible for the set design after Gladiator
Gladiator 2: Filming, accidents and more
Filming for Gladiator 2 began in June 2023. Lead actor Paul Mescal didn’t want to share his pre-shoot workout because he didn’t think it was “interesting”. However, he faced the task of building up his muscles without fear
There was an accident with several injuries on the set in Morocco right at the beginning: According to Variety there was an incident during the preparation of a stunt scene, whereupon several crew members were taken to hospital and treated with burns, but not life-threatening injuries. No cast members were injured. On the Instagram channel of Morocco’s Minister of Culture you could already get set impressions:
In addition, filming took place on the island of Malta, where a few tourists snapped Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal . A huge colosseum was also built there:
‘Gladiator 2’ First Look at Colosseum Replica For Upcoming Movie
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the Colosseum that’s being built for the upcoming “Gladiator” sequel … and TMZ has the first look at how the replica of the famous venue is coming along. “Gladiator … pic.twitter.com/ZoaHDRONfO– Let’s Talk About Dis Shidd (@MrsBarnesII) July 10, 2023
In the wake of the 2023 Hollywood strike, production on Gladiator 2 was halted and filming was temporarily suspended from mid-July 2023. The interruption cost the film around 600,000 US dollars per week. At this point, according to World of Reel the film was already around 50% complete.
