Paramount Pictures is preparing to send audiences to the Colosseum with Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning action film Gladiator. Before the film is launched in November, Empire Magazine has released two new images from the project, offering new looks at two of the Gladiator II A-list stars, Paul Mescal And Pedro Pascal, and also reveals some more details about the filming process.

The first image features Mescal as Lucius, forced to fight in the chaotic, deadly environment of the Colosseum in Rome. As a prisoner, Lucius must endure the harshest conditions of the Roman Empire – and its ruthless Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). The other image shows Pascal in full armor as Marcus Acacius, a brutal Roman general who was once under the tutelage of the first film’s protagonist. Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Marcus Acacius is shown in the midst of a fierce battle.

Scott, fresh from directing Gladiator II, called the film “the best thing I’ve ever done,” although he “made some good ones.” The legendary director said of Gladiator II“It’s brutal, full-throttle action,” which the images seem to prove. Mescal also spoke about the physical aspects of the gladiator role, telling Empire: “I’ve always had a kind of latent ambition to do something that requires more muscle and body.” Mescal added: “We tried not to feel slick. You feel like their bodies are slowing down when they fight. It’s not like ting-ting-ting! It’s more brutal. You can feel the tiredness.”

Gladiator II has a superstar cast

In addition to the stars mentioned above Gladiator II has a large cast of famous faces working to bring ancient Rome to life. These include Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a former slave who now leads his own unit of captured gladiators. Other cast members include May Calamawy, Alexander Karim, And This is Rory McCann’s story. Additionally, Derek Jacobi And Connie Nielsen reprise their roles as Lucilla and Senator Gracchus from the first film.

Scott, also known for his iconic films such as Alien, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, And Blade Runner, directed Gladiator II based on a script by David Scarpa. Scott is also producing the film together with Michael Pruss for their Scott Free Productions banner, while Doug Wick And Lucy Fisher produce for Red Wagon Entertainment. Executive producers are Walter Parkes And Laurie MacDonald.

Gladiator II will be released in US theaters on November 22, 2024.

Gladiator II

Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’ beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. He is captured by Roman troops under General Marcus Acacius and sent to the gladiatorial arena. During his fight for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave turned merchant, and the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.

Release date

22 November 2024