The first official trailer for Ridley Scott's highly anticipated historical action epic, Gladiator II, has been released online, promising an epic return to Ancient Rome. Paul Mescal (Normal People; Aftersun; The Lost Daughter) takes on the role of Lucius, going head-to-head with 3x Primetime Emmy-nominee Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian; Game of Thrones; Narcos) and Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington (Training Day; Fences; Malcolm X).
According to the official synopsis, "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."
Ridley Scott returns to direct this eagerly awaited sequel to his blockbuster film Gladiator, which starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus. The original Gladiator, released in 2000, grossed over $465.4 million globally on a production budget of around $100 million. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is often regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. With such a legacy, the sequel has high expectations to meet.
Besides the leading performances by Mescal, Pascal, and Washington, the supporting cast is equally impressive. Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman; Gladiator; The Devil's Advocate) reprises her role as Lucilla. Other notable cast members include Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things; Catherine the Great; Overlord), Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus; Fear Street Part One: 1994; News of the World), Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius; Gladiator; The King's Speech), Tim McInnerny (Blackadder; Notting Hill; Eddie the Eagle), Alexander Karim (Tyrant; The Lawyer; Zero Dark Thirty), Lior Raz (Fauda; 6 Underground; Mary Magdalene), Peter Mensah (300; Avatar; Spartacus: Blood and Sand), Matt Lucas (Little Britain; Bridesmaids; Alice in Wonderland), and May Calamawy (Ramy; Moon Knight; The Long Road Home).
The trailer highlights the grand scale of the film, featuring epic battles, stunning visuals, and intense performances from the cast. Ridley Scott's return to this universe is highly anticipated, as he brings his unique vision and storytelling prowess back to the gladiatorial arenas of Ancient Rome.
Both fans of the original film and new viewers are eagerly awaiting the release of Gladiator II, which promises to deliver a compelling and visually spectacular continuation of the saga. The film is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024.
Gladiator II hits theaters on November 22!
Watch the official trailer below:
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.