Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for “Gladiator II,” which is a sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning 2000 epic. Set to hit theaters on November 22, the film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, alongside a star-studded cast including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
The trailer offers a glimpse into the sequel’s narrative, set several decades after the events of the original film. Mescal portrays Lucius, now an adult, who finds himself thrust into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat. The teaser showcases intense arena battles, with Mescal and Washington raising swords against each other in what promises to be epic confrontations.
Director Ridley Scott returns to helm the sequel, working from a script by David Scarpa. At CinemaCon earlier this year, Scott boldly claimed, “It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first,” adding that the follow-up is “well worth the wait.”
The cast of “Gladiator II” includes Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general, and Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a powerful figure in Rome who manages gladiators. Joseph Quinn and Connie Nielsen also feature in prominent roles.
Mescal, known for his breakout performance in “Normal People,” underwent significant physical transformation for the role. Even his co-star Pascal humorously dubbed him “Brick Wall Paul” on set, attesting to Mescal’s impressive physique for the role.
“Gladiator II” is a major investment for Paramount, with the budget reportedly expanding during production, which was temporarily halted due to Hollywood strikes last year.
The original “Gladiator” was a massive success, grossing over $465 million globally in 2000 and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This sequel aims to recapture that glory while introducing a new generation to the world of ancient Roman gladiatorial combat.