Director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is set to reignite the grandeur of ancient Rome with an explosive continuation of the saga. Slated for release on December 4, the highly anticipated sequel shifts the narrative from Maximus’ story to that of a new hero, Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal.

Paul Mescal as Lucius: A New Kind of Gladiator

Screenwriter David Scarpa reveals that Lucius’ story is a stark contrast to Maximus’. “Maximus started as a leader in the Roman military who is facing off with an army of barbarians. Lucius is a barbarian defending his home from the invading Romans. Maximus was loyal to the emperor. Lucius hates Rome and everything to do with it. And yet both end up forced to kill or be killed for the amusement of the mob.” Scarpa shares.

Lucius, now a grown man, faces a life-changing ordeal when the Roman army invades his homeland in Numidia. Paul Mescal describes his character as a man driven by rage and vengeance:

“He is taken prisoner and dragged into Rome. He has an intense anger towards everything Roman that will grow as the film progresses,” Mescal says about his character. “When he enters the arena for the first time, he sees Acacius [Pedro Pascal], the general who led the siege of his city. He sees him sitting there with his wife and he vows to himself to kill them or be killed.”

Pedro Pascal as Acacius: A General Torn Between Duty and Love

Pedro Pascal, who plays the conflicted Roman general Acacius, brings depth to a character navigating loyalty, love, and survival. “You have to pay attention to the where and why of his allegiances,” the actor says. “Because he is leading the Roman army, you’ll think he’s a villain. But Acacius loves Lucilla, a beloved character from the first movie. So, then he’s a good guy. And the movie plays those tricks on us continually.”

Connie Nielsen as Lucilla: The Survivor’s Dilemma

Fifteen years after the events of the original Gladiator, Lucilla remains one of Rome’s most formidable figures. Connie Nielsen reflects on her character’s resilience:

“Lucilla has had to be a survivor all of her life,” Nielsen says. “She immediately understood what the death of her brother meant for her and those she cares about. When this movie begins, she’s been through 15 years of upheaval and countless pretenders to the throne.”

As political tides shift, Lucilla must navigate the chaos unleashed by Rome’s new emperors—Geta and Caracalla.

Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as The Twin Emperors: Chaos on the Throne

Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger step into the roles of Geta and Caracalla, historical figures infamous for their shared rule and volatile reign. Scott describes them, “They are already a bit insane when we meet them,” he adds. “Their father succeeded Commodus, and they inherited the throne. They ran Rome a little off the rails. What better way to surpass the dastardly legacy of Commodus than to double down on the malevolence?” 

Denzel Washington as Macrinus: Power at Any Cost

Two-time Oscar® winner Denzel Washington portrays Macrinus, a shrewd businessman-turned-kingmaker whose thirst for power knows no bounds. Ridley Scott hints at Macrinus’ shadowy rise:

“I think Macrinus was probably a soldier from North Africa who arrived in Rome as a young man,” says director Ridley Scott. “He worked his way up to being a major supplier of food and other goods to the armies and turned that into an empire of steel foundries, shields, swords, and spears.”

Washington adds, “And power is an addictive drug. Once you have it, you can’t live without it. Once he had a taste for taking, he had to have more. He doesn’t really care about anyone. He uses them. If people can’t make him more powerful, he has no interest in them.”

Derek Jacobi as Gracchus: A Voice of Courage

Veteran actor Derek Jacobi reprises his role as the loyal senator Gracchus. A trusted ally to Lucilla, Gracchus remains steadfast in his principles, even as Rome teeters on the edge of chaos.

Jacobi reveals, “He hasn’t changed much at all. He still loves a bit of adventure. He’s a great character — a brave man who is eager to test fate and welcomes a challenge.”

A Legacy of Excellence

The sequel also brings Ridley Scott’s signature attention to detail and grandeur. From the vibrant chaos of Numidia to the blood-soaked Colosseum, Gladiator II promises a spectacle unlike any other.

Mark your calendars: December 4 is the date to return to the arena. Follow the journey on social media with #GladiatorII and tag @paramountpicsph to join the conversation.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}