Gladiator 2 is gearing up for production once more - get the latest on the release date, cast, plot, and more. Director Scott is back to lead the sequel to his award-winning film Gladiator. The 2000 release has been hailed as one of the most extraordinary films to date, praised for its stunning cinematography, unforgettable acting, and iconic score by composer Hans Zimmer.
The original film surpassed expectations by grossing over $503 million worldwide, solidifying its status as a commercial success. It also received rave reviews, earning an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80% score from critics. Now, 23 years later, a sequel is officially underway. Stay updated on all the latest details about Gladiator 2, from plot details to casting updates, as we provide you with all the information on this highly anticipated project.
Contents:
Is there a Gladiator 2 release date?
The release date for Gladiator 2 is set for November 22, 2024. Director Ridley Scott has been working on the sequel for several years and finally finished the script in late 2021. Production started in 2023, with filming locations in Morocco, Malta, and the UK for four months.
With production paused for 90 minutes, the writers' and actors' strikes have ended with new deals struck by both unions. Filming is expected to resume soon.
During a recent interview with The New Yorker discussing his career, Scott recounted a scene that he had filmed before production was halted. The outlet reported that he had spent time perfecting the 90 minutes of footage he had, including a particular scene featuring the protagonist battling a group of baboons. He admitted to being troubled by a video he had seen of baboons attacking tourists in Johannesburg.
Scott stated that baboons are carnivores and compared their physical abilities to that of a human. After the strike, the director expressed his eagerness to return to work, stating to Deadline that he will be back on set in a "couple of weeks." He also mentioned that the filming process is progressing well, with 90 minutes already completed and the sets already built, leaving only another 90 minutes to go.
During a planned stunt sequence for the Gladiator sequel, six crew members sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a statement from a Paramount spokesperson.
Gladiator 2 cast: Who is set to star in the sequel?
The on-site safety and medical teams were able to respond promptly to ensure immediate care for those affected. They are currently in stable condition and receiving ongoing treatment. The well-being of our cast and crew is our top priority, and we have stringent health and safety protocols in place for all of our productions. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary precautions as we resume production.
The Gladiator 2 cast includes:
Paul Mescal as Lucius
Connie Nielsen as Lucilla
Djimon Hounsou as Juba
Derek Jacobi as Gracchus
Joseph Quinn as Caracalla
Fred Hechinger as Geta
Denzel Washington
Pedro Pascal
Matt Lucas
May Calamawy
Penter Mensah
Lior Raz
The original film boasted an iconic cast, with Russel Crowe earning an Oscar for his portrayal of Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix delivering an equally impressive performance as the antagonist, Commodus in the role.
The upcoming sequel is set to feature an impressive cast of talented young Hollywood actors. Deadline reported in May 2023 that Connie Nielsen will be returning to her role as Lucilla, which could have a significant impact on the storyline. Additionally, there are talks of Joseph Quinn, known for his role in Stranger Things, potentially taking on the role of Emperor Caracalla.
Later, it was confirmed that Pedro Pascal, known for his role in The Last of Us, will also be joining the cast of the Ridley Scott film in a role that has yet to be disclosed. According to sources as of May 18, Barry Keoghan, known for his role in Eternals, was initially the frontrunner to play the antagonist Emperor Geta, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. It is now rumored that Fred Hechinger of The White Lotus fame is in negotiations to take on the role. Additionally, May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas are also reportedly set to join the project in unspecified roles.
After the strike, Pascal's priority is the movie, so other projects like The Last of Us Season 2 will have to work around his shooting schedule or be put on hold. Scott has revealed more details about Denzel Washington's character, noting that he plays the owner of a business that supplied weapons, oil, and wine to the Romans.
The arms dealers of the period included a man who had already become rich from supplying weapons, particularly catapults. His unusual hobby resembled that of owning a racing stable, except his "stable" was made up of 30 or 40 gladiators. He took pleasure in watching them fight, as it was revealed that he himself had once been a successful gladiator after being captured in North Africa. Now a wealthy man with ambitions, he considered the possibility of seizing power from the two princes. Keep checking back for more updates on the cast and crew of the project!
Gladiator 2 plot: What will the sequel be about?
Paramount PicturesLucius was a key character in the original Gladiator
Not much has been officially confirmed about the plot of Gladiator 2. The film's focus on Lucius, the young boy who admired Maximus in the first film, suggests the kind of story fans can anticipate. Despite his noble ancestry, there is a possibility that Lucius will emulate Maximus and strive to become a Gladiator in the Colosseum.
Will Gladiator 2 be released in theatres?
In addition, there are increasing indications that Lucilla, his mother, will also have a role in the movie. When asked in December 2021 if she would be returning as Lucilla in the sequel, Nielsen responded to the New York Post that she was "not allowed to say anything". However, the latest report from Deadline suggests that she will indeed be part of the film. We will provide updates in this space once confirmation or any announcements are made.
The release format for Gladiator 2 is still pending confirmation, with uncertainty whether it will debut in theaters or go straight to a streaming platform. However, considering the significant box office success of the original film, it is likely that the studio will opt for a theatrical release before making it available for streaming. Once it does become available for streaming, it is expected to be on Paramount+ due to the ownership of the Gladiator franchise by Paramount Pictures.
Find out more about Gladiator 2 and explore our other TV and movie hubs below:
- Avatar 3
- Batman: The Brave And The Bold
- Beetlejuice 2
- Blade
- Deadpool 3
- Dune 2
- Gladiator 2
- Mission: Impossible 8
- Mortal Kombat 2
- Beyond the Spider-Verse
- Superman: Legacy
- Thunderbolts
- Venom 3
- Wicked
- 1923 Season 2
- Citadel Season 2
- Daredevil: Born Again
- Euphoria Season 3
- Severance Season 2
- Stranger Things Season 5
- The Last of Us Season 2
- The Mandalorian Season 4
- The Penguin
- The Sandman Season 2
- The White Lotus Season 3
- Wednesday Season 2
- Yellowjackets Season 3
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of Gladiator 2. The original film is a classic, and I can't wait to see what Ridley Scott has in store for us with the sequel. The cast is incredible, and I'm excited to see how the story unfolds. I'm also curious to see how Scott will update the visuals for the sequel. The original film was groundbreaking in its use of special effects, and I'm sure the sequel will be just as impressive.
Overall, I'm very excited about Gladiator 2. I think it has the potential to be a great film, and I can't wait to see it when it's released in 2024.