Vanity Fair has just released the first-look images at Gladiator II, the epic sequel from Ridley Scott to his 2000 Oscar-winning film featuring Russell Crowe and the photos look as if Scott hasn’t missed a beat. The highlights of the images has to be a stunning shot of Paul Mescal‘s Lucius on the attack against Pedro Pascal’s fallen Roman general Acacius, a man whom Scott says is in “deep regret with his life and doesn’t know where to go with it.”
The bloodied Lucius and Acacius are the focal point of these images, shown in an exclusive feature by the magazine. Pascal described how the film was shaped by the legacy of Crowe‘s Maximus, who died 20 years prior. “This movie has an identity that is shaped by his legacy. It wouldn’t make sense for it not to,” he said.
We are also shown a first look at Denzel Washington’s Macrinus, a former slave turned merchant and arms dealer, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Lucius’ mother and reprising her role from the original, and Joseph Quinn as Emperor Gata, Caracalla’s brother.
First Look: Paul Mescal is Lucius in 'Gladiator II.'
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— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 1, 2024
Pedro Pascal is Marcus Acacius in ‘Gladiator II,’ a Roman general said to have trained under Russell Crowe’s Maximus.
Acacius “learned from the best,” says Pascal, ”so of course this code of honor is ingrained into his training.”
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— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 1, 2024
Pedro Pascal on Paul Mescal’s ‘Gladiator II’ transformation:
“I call him Brick Wall Paul. He got so strong. I would rather be thrown from a building than have to fight him again.”
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— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 1, 2024
Paul Mescal centered his ‘Gladiator II’ training on his fight choreography, rather than sculpting into an “underwear model”:
“I just wanted to be big and strong and look like somebody who can cause a bit of damage when shit hits the fan.”
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— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 1, 2024
Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla in ‘Gladiator II,’ and speaks to VF about Russell Crowe’s past remarks about the original ‘Gladiator’ script: “I remember that he definitely had some thoughts and feelings.”
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— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 1, 2024
First look at Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington in ‘GLADIATOR 2’
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— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 1, 2024
What Was ‘Gladiator’ About?
Set in ancient Rome, the film tells the story of Maximus, a respected Roman general who is betrayed by Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Commodus murders his father to take the throne, and Maximus’s family is also killed. Sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator. It is here that Maximus uses his position as a favourite of the crowds to gain clout and influence amongst the people of Rome.
Despite his fall, he eventually succeeds, rising in respect and influence, aiming to avenge his family and the emperor by challenging Commodus. The film was a major financial and critical success, winning several Oscars, including Best Picture, and is credited with revitalizing interest in the historical epic genre. The performances of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, who both received Academy Award nominations, were particularly acclaimed.
Gladiator 2 is due to release on November 22, 2024. Gladiator is streaming now on Paramount+.
via Collider