Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was this sequel to Ridley Scott’s masterpiece. Twenty-four years later, the director finally offers a sequel to his Gladiator. If the conclusion of Maximus’ adventures could have discouraged anyone from embarking on the epic again, Scott is convinced that he still has things to tell about this period. It is thus on the descendants of Marcus Aurelius, and more precisely his grandson, that the filmmaker’s gaze now rests. He intends to tell the story of Lucius (Paul Mescal), offspring of Lucilla (Connie Nelsen) and nephew of Commodus. Vanity Fair has been granted an exclusive preview of the first images of the film as well as a long interview with its headliners. While waiting for the film’s release November 13, 2024spectators have enough to get an idea of the project.
Decades have passed since Maximus’ death. When he was young, Lucius was sent by his mother far from Rome to be protected. Over the years, he begins to harbor resentment towards her, but the arrival of invaders in his host land will force their reunion. Lucius admires Maximus’ journey and intends to follow in his footsteps.
An imperial casting
Ridley Scott has managed to mobilize legends of the seventh art and young talents to bring this sequel to life. If the director has not been very successful lately, Gladiator II could create a surprise at the cinema. He thus summons Paul Mescal to portray the main character. The revelation of Normal People will respond to Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) et May Calamawy (Moon Knight). Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi and Fred Hechinger round out the cast. Quinn and Hechinger play two brothers at the head of a corrupt and decaying Roman city.
Pascal will play a certain Acacius, he must be the link between the first and second film. If he does not appear in the previous part, Gladiator II will suggest that he was trained as a junior officer by Russell Crowe’s character. The actor explains to Vanity Fair : “This film has an identity that is shaped by its heritage. It would make no sense for it to be otherwise.” Scott has obviously taken care not to repeat things, while still creating a revival for the genre. It must be admitted that his The Last Duel has given us reason to be rather optimistic. The trailer is expected to be released in the coming weeks, in mid-July, according to some sources.
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