An early reaction to the long-awaited swords-and-sandals sequel, Gladiator 2, has now emerged, with a lucky moviegoer revealing if the follow-up lives up to the legacy of the Oscar-winning Russell Crowe original. This insight comes courtesy of GQ, who reveal a “moviegoer’s note, now, on Gladiator II,” which reveals that the sequel will be even “bigger, rawer, and more violent” than its already pretty big, raw, and violent predecessor.
Gladiator 2 sees director Ridley Scott return to continue the historical epic after all these years, with Aftersun and Oscar nominee Paul Mescal starring as the older Lucius Verus, playing in the first movie by Spencer Treat Clark. And, according to this early reaction, audiences will be entertained when Gladiator 2 lands in theaters next month.
“It is much bigger, rawer, and more violent than the original. The sprawling battle sequences, yes, but also the man-to-man scrappy combat. You will spend much of the movie mid-wince.”
The first Gladiator quickly became known for its brutal and bloody depiction of the Roman Empire and the violent goings-on inside the Colosseum. And it certainly sounds like the sequel will not only continue this legacy, but escalate things even further.
Gladiator 2 has amassed a stellar ensemble cast alongside Mescal, including Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) as Roman general Marcus Acacius, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, Fantastic Four) as Caracalla, Fred Hechinger (Kraven the Hunter) as Geta, as well as Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, who both reprise their roles from the first movie, May Calamawy (Moon Knight), Lior Raz (The Crowded Room), Peter Mensah (300, Avatar), and Hollywood icon Denzel Washington.
Paul Mescal’s Lucius Is the Son of Maximus
Speaking with GQ, Paul Mescal addressed the legacy of the first movie, and the way in which it disguises “real pathos” with the “macho” sword-swinging action.
“It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You’re allowed to watch it and still feel very masc and macho about it. But actually the reason that film works is it’s an action drama. It’s got a real pathos to it, and all of the violence is motivated by somebody’s love and betrayal.”
Mescal also teased taking on the role of Lucius who, it has now been confirmed, is the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius.
“He is comfortable in discomfort. He’s deeply un-entitled and that’s what I love most about him. He doesn’t feel entitled to the world, so he’s just scrapping. He has no sense of pride, which I think is a fun character trait to play.”
Related
Ridley Scott Provides Colosseum-Sized Gladiator 3 Update
Gladiator II hasn’t even dropped in theaters yet, and director Ridley Scott is already teasing the follow-up’s development.
While we await further reactions to Gladiator 2, you can check out the official synopsis 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.”
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Cast
- Paul Mescal , Pedro Pascal , Denzel Washington , Connie Nielsen , Joseph Quinn , Fred Hechinger , Derek Jacobi , May Calamawy , Peter Mensah , Matt Lucas , Alexander Karim , Tim McInnerny , Lee Charles , Chidi Ajufo , Alfie Tempest , Riana Duce , Chi Lewis Parry , Paul Candelent , Hadrian Howard , Alexander Simkin , Mikhail Basmadjian , Matthew Charlery-Smith , Maxime Durand , Lior Raz
- Studio(s)
- Paramount Pictures , Universal Pictures , Scott Free Productions , Red Wagon Entertainment
- Distributor(s)
- Paramount Pictures
- Character(s)
- Lucius Verus , Marcus Acacius , Macrinus , Lucilla , Emperor Caracalla , Emperor Geta , Gracchus