Everything we know about “Gladiator II” so far
It's time to enter the arena once more.
A Gladiator sequel is coming — are you not entertained?
The film follows the critically acclaimed 2000 blockbuster, which starred Russell Crowe as a Roman general who's betrayed, sold into slavery, and forced to become a gladiator by the corrupt emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Gladiator went on to earn over $460 million worldwide and was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor. So, its follow-up has big sandals to fill.
As we prepare to enter the arena once more, EW is gathering all of the intel, from who is once more donning togas to who is directing, producing, and more. Here's everything we know so far about Gladiator II.
What's the title?
Previously, Paramount Pictures had referred to the film as the Untitled Gladiator Sequel or Gladiator 2. At CinemaCon in April, it was revealed that the official title is stylized as Gladiator II.
Who is starring in the film?
Aftersun star Paul Mescal will be playing Lucius, the son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus, who a young Spencer Treat Clark played in the original film. Connie Nielsen is returning to her original role as Lucilla. (Nielsen's return comes after she teased the film's progress and expressed her desire to reprise her role in a 2020 interview with EW.)
Another legacy cast member, Derek Jacobi, is returning to play Gracchus, while Stranger Things breakout Joseph Quinn will play Emperor Caracalla.
Although we don't know his name yet, the CinemaCon footage revealed that Denzel Washington is playing some sort of nobleman or senator with rebellion on his mind. He seems to act as a mentor to Lucius as he steps into the arena.
Additionally, Fred Hechinger (Kraven, The White Lotus) will play Emperor Geta, a role Barry Keoghan was previously in talks to play but couldn't due to scheduling conflicts. If the first footage is any indication, the megalomaniacal spirit of Commodus is still alive and well between Caracalla and Geta, the sequel's main antagonists.
Several other stars are attached, but their roles remain under wraps. May Calamawy (Moon Knight, Ramy), Lior Raz (Operation Finale), Peter Mensah (Avatar), and Matt Lucas (Wonka, Bridesmaids) are all in the mix, as is The Last of Us and The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal.
What about Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix?
Spoiler alert! In the first film, Crowe's Maximus baited Commodus into the colosseum arena and killed him, and then died from wounds he sustained in the battle. Given that they both made their way to the afterlife, it's highly unlikely they'd appear in this one, at least alive.
Crowe has made it sound like he's not involved yet. The actor previously told Collider of the project, "The only thing that I really feel about it is slightly jealous, you know?"
This being Hollywood, though, a ghostly cameo or flashback is never out of the realm of possibility. Remember Maximus' famous dying words: "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."
Is Ridley Scott returning to direct?
Yes. Scott, who received a Best Director Oscar nod for the film, will be directing the sequel. He is also producing with Michael Pruss through production company Scott Free, Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher through Red Wagon Entertainment, and David Franzoni. Raymond Kirk and Nigel Wooll are executive producing.
Several other artists who brought the original Gladiator to life are returning to Scott's sequel, as well. This includes cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates.
Who is writing the screenplay?
While David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson penned the first film, this time around David Scarpa is writing the script. Scarpa is known for The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Man in the High Castle, as well as a few other projects that teamed him up with Scott — All the Money in the World and Napoleon.
Is there a trailer or footage?
The first footage for the film debuted at CinemaCon 2024, but is not being revealed to the public. In the meantime, you can read all about what EW saw and what it means for the film, here.
When does it come out?
The Gladiator sequel is currently slated for release in theaters on November 22, 2024.
This article will be updated as more information is announced.
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