Ridley Scott Teases Exciting Baboon Battle in Gladiator 2

Article Overview

Ridley Scott reveals that, while the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, he has been editing the 90 minutes of Gladiator 2 footage he was able to capture.

The footage includes a captivating scene where actor Paul Mescal valiantly defends himself against a ferocious pack of baboons. With Gladiator 2 employing practical production techniques and maintaining narrative ties to its predecessor, there is a strong possibility that it will successfully recapture the enchanting essence of the iconic 2000 sword-and-sandal epic.

Director Ridley Scott has shared in a recent interview with The New Yorker that he has been editing the footage he managed to capture amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike for Gladiator 2. In this edited footage, viewers can expect to see Paul Mescal's character, Lucius, engaging in a thrilling fight with a group of baboons. This scene was partially inspired by a disturbing video that Scott came across, depicting baboons attacking tourists in Johannesburg. As the release date for Gladiator 2 is still over a year away, fans can anticipate an intense and captivating film that showcases this unique and adrenaline-filled encounter.

“Baboons are carnivores. Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg? No! A baboon can.”

How Gladiator 2 Could Recapture The Original Movie's Magic

Gladiator, which was released over 20 years ago, continues to be one of Scott's most unforgettable and highly praised films. It is often regarded as one of the greatest sword-and-sandal movies ever created. Crowe's portrayal of Maximus, combined with a chilling performance by Joaquin Phoenix as the villainous Commodus and intense action sequences, contribute to the film's exceptional quality. With such high expectations, the pressure is on for the sequel to meet the same standard.

Instead of choosing the scrapped plot for Gladiator 2, which involved bringing Maximus back to life for battles throughout history, the sequel has thankfully taken a more realistic approach. By focusing on Lucius, the movie maintains a strong narrative connection to the first film. This means that Maximus' legacy could be honored in a heartfelt and respectful manner, rather than becoming pure fantasy.

Furthermore, the practical production methods used in Gladiator 2 are also promising. While the first film utilized visual effects to recreate Rome's Colosseum and other backgrounds, a majority of the action was grounded in real sets and stunts. Recent set photos have revealed that Gladiator 2 is heavily relying on grand constructed sets for filming. This approach may enable the sequel to recapture the tangible aspect that made the original so impactful.

Source: The New Yorker

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am intrigued by the upcoming Gladiator 2 movie and the promise of an exciting baboon battle scene. The original Gladiator movie, released in 2000, was a classic and I am excited to see how the sequel will build upon its legacy. The idea of a fight between a human and a group of baboons is certainly unique and has the potential to be both thrilling and thought-provoking.

The fact that the movie is being shot using practical production techniques and maintaining narrative ties to its predecessor is also encouraging. It suggests that the filmmakers are committed to creating a sequel that respects the original while also bringing something new to the table. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about Gladiator 2 and eager to see how it turns out.