Gladiator II Trailer Drop and Everything Else We Know

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Logline

Ridley Scott’s epic returns with a sequel to the groundbreaking ‘Gladiator,’ continuing the legacy with new characters and a fresh storyline.

Breakdown

• The original ‘Gladiator’ (2000) was a massive success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
• Ridley Scott is set to direct the sequel, bringing back his distinct style and vision.
• ‘Gladiator II’ will explore the next generation, focusing on Lucius, who was inspired by Maximus.

Plot Beats

• Paul Mescal stars as an adult Lucius, the nephew of Commodus and son of Lucilla.
• Lucius, deeply influenced by Maximus, chooses the life of a gladiator over political power.
• The plot will explore his journey and the challenges he faces in the arena and beyond.

Cast and Crew

• Cast:
  • Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus
  • Fred Hechinger as Emperor Geta
  • Denzel Washington “Denzel is an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, supplies wine and oil, makes steel, makes spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. So he is a very wealthy man. Instead of having a stable of racehorses, he has a stable of gladiators. He’s beautiful. He drives a golden Ferrari. I got him a gold-plated chariot.” Ridley Scott said to Vanity Fair
  • Pedro Pascal
  • Joseph Quinn
  • May Calamawy
  • Connie Nielsen reprising her role as Lucilla
  • Derek Jacobi returning as Senator Gracchus
  • Djimon Hounsou rumored to return as Juba
  • Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas in supporting roles
• Director:
  • Ridley Scott
• Screenwriter:
  • David Scarpa

Buzz and Highlights

• The film is set to release on November 22, 2024, in the US and a week earlier in the UK on November 15, 2024.
• Ridley Scott’s return as director ensures a consistent and authentic continuation of the story.
• The casting of Paul Mescal, a recent Oscar nominee, as Lucius is a significant highlight.
• Denzel Washington’s involvement adds substantial star power and anticipation.

Production Notes

• Filming began in June 2023, primarily in Morocco, with additional locations in Malta and the UK.
• Production faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes but resumed in November 2023, wrapping in January 2024.
• Key crew members from the original film are returning, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates.

What Is the Release Date of ‘Gladiator II’?

• ‘Gladiator II’ will premiere in theaters on Friday, November 22, 2024, in the US.
• It will open a week earlier in the UK on November 15, 2024.
• The release coincides with Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of ‘Wicked’ and follows a week before ‘Moana 2.’

Will ‘Gladiator II’ Be Released in Theaters or on Streaming?

• The film is expected to have a theatrical release, considering the original’s significant box office success.
• A streaming release on Paramount+ is also possible, given Paramount Pictures’ ownership of the Gladiator IP.

Does ‘Gladiator II’ Have a Trailer Yet?

• A trailer for ‘Gladiator II’ has not yet been released online.
• The first trailer will be attached to screenings of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ on July 26, 2024.
• An extended five-minute teaser was shown at CinemaCon in April 2024.

What Is the Plot of ‘Gladiator II’?

• The plot centers on Lucius Verus, now an adult, who admires Maximus and seeks to become a gladiator.
• Lucius’s journey will explore his challenges in the arena and his development as a hero.

Who Is Starring in ‘Gladiator II’?

• Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus
• Fred Hechinger as Emperor Geta
• Denzel Washington in an undisclosed role
• Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and May Calamawy in key roles
• Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi reprising their roles from the original film
• Djimon Hounsou rumored to return as Juba
• Supporting roles include Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas
• Russell Crowe will not return, given his character’s fate in the first film

Who Is Making ‘Gladiator II’?

• Directed by Ridley Scott
• Screenplay by David Scarpa
• Key crew members from the original film returning, including John Mathieson, Arthur Max, and Janty Yates

When and Where Did ‘Gladiator II’ Film?

• Filming began in June 2023, primarily in Morocco, with additional locations in Malta and the UK.
• Production was halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes but resumed in November 2023.
• Filming wrapped in January 2024.

Closing Credits

‘Gladiator II’ promises to deliver another visually stunning and emotionally compelling epic. With Ridley Scott at the helm and a star-studded cast, the film is poised to continue the legacy of its predecessor. Mark your calendars for November 22, 2024, and get ready to enter the arena once more.

(Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures)