News culture The sequel to this major Ridley Scott film reveals new footage with Pedro Pascal, and it looks masterful.
Published on 07/02/2024 at 12:41
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23 years later, this cult film is back in the arena with a second film. Ridley Scott is still directing. Vanity Fair was able to interview the cast exclusively while revealing new images for the feature film expected next November.
Gladiator 2: new images of Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal
Gladiator II promises to be one of the films of the year. At least that’s what the film’s cast, from Pedro Pascal to Denzel Washington to Paul Mescal, promised us at Cinemacon held last April. Director Ridley Scott even said that this second episode is “perhaps even more extraordinary than the first“. An interview with the main actor Paul Mescal published on July 1st by Vanity Fair allows us to better imagine what awaits the spectators. A useful preview before the first trailer of the film, expected on July 9.
We already knew that Gladiator 2 picked up the story, a few years later, from the first film with Russell Crowe. This sequel highlights the battle of Lucius, the nephew of the former emperor (Paul Mescal), against a belligerent Roman Empire symbolized by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). It is also on this confrontation that the feature film begins, indicates Ridley Scott
For Lucius, Acacius is the symbol of everything he hates. The film begins with the raid of the Roman fleet, which arrives by sea and decimates Numidia (Lucius’ residence, editor’s note)
Lucius is then taken prisoner of war. And this is probably how things get serious: as a healthy Roman prisoner of war, Lucius is sent to the arena. And that’s how he sees his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) for the first time.
Image credits: Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures.
Gladiator 2: A Legacy to Carry
Conversely, she does not recognize the individual standing in the arena as her son. She does not even know what happened between him and her man… Marcus Acacius. The interpreter explains:
She’s a woman who’s been through a traumatic loss. And in the middle of it all, Acacius has arrived like a godsend.
It is also the character of Pedro Pascal who serves as a link between the first and second films. The actor, known and recognized for multiple roles (The Last of Us, Game of Thronesetc) indicates that “This film has an identity shaped by its heritage. It wouldn’t make sense if it wasn’t“.
Image credits: Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures.
A heavy past to bear for this second episode. It must succeed Gladiator first of the name, winner of five Oscars in 2001 including best film and best actor. First elements of an answer with the release of Gladiator 2, on November 20 in theaters.
