‘Gladiator 2’ Trailer: Is Lucius the Son of Maximus? How Ridley Scott Connects Paul Mescal-Starring Sequel to Russell Crowe’s Oscar-Winning Epic

Ridley Scott is 86 years old as of when this article was being written, but someone has forgotten to tell him to rest. Instead, the legendary filmmaker is churning up movies nearly every year with his recent film, Gladiator 2 (Or Gladiator II if you are a stickler for Roman numerals). The trailer of the film dropped on July 9, and it looks epic in every sense, with Scott going much bigger in terms of production values and cast to create that epic feel. ‘Gladiator II’ Trailer: Paul Mescal’s Lucius Battles Pedro Pascal To Save Rome in Ridley Scott’s Epic Sequel.

For the unaware, Gladiator 2 is the sequel to the 2000 movie Gladiator, also directed by Ridley Scott. The movie is most remembered for lead actor Russell Crowe's Oscar-winning performance, epic gladiatorial fight scenes, Joaquin Phoenix's breakout performance as the smarmy Commodus and Harry Gregson-Williams's beautiful theme song.

For the sequel, Paul Mescal plays the lead in Gladiator 2. The movie also stars Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, May Calamawy, Derek Jacobi, and Denzel Washington. Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi are the cast members from the first film who return for the sequel.

ICYMI, Here's The Trailer of Gladiator II:

Is Gladiator II a Direct Sequel to Gladiator?

In a way, yes. The narrative of Gladiator II is set after the events of the 2000 film, with a couple of characters connecting both movies. Connie Nielsen's Lucilla, who is the mother of the protagonist Lucius (Paul Mescal), played a crucial role in the first film, where she was the sister of the antagonist Commodus, who had incestuous feelings for his sister, and the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Lucius himself appeared in the 2000 film, albeit as a child, played by Spencer Treat Clark, who was rescued by Maximus during the events of the third act.

This leads many fans to ask this next question...

Is Lucius the Son of Maximus?

This is something Gladiator 2 has to confirm. Lucilla used to have romantic feelings for Maximus, and it is hinted that they were in a relationship before Maximus went to marry someone else and have a family with her. Not that it went well for them. Fans are speculating if Maximus and Lucilla did have a love child who happened to be Lucius.

However, the first film already establishes that his father is Lucius Verus, the co-emperor of Rome, though he was established to be dead during the events of Gladiator.

Will Russell Crowe's Maximus Return for Gladiator 2?

Unlikely. Though the trailer shows Russel Crowe's Maximus, it is actually a scene from the climax of the 2000 film. Maximus has died from the injuries he sustained in the fight with Commodus, though not before murdering his enemy in full public view. The last scene sees him reuniting with his dead family in the afterlife, and Scott has no plans to change that. Gladiator 2: Barry Keoghan Drops Out of Ridley Scott's Sequel Due to Scheduling Conflicts, Replaced by Fred Hechinger.

Watch the Final Fight Scene Between Maximus and Commodus in Gladiator:

Russell Crowe himself has confirmed that he would not be returning for the sequel whenever he has been asked about it.

When is Gladiator 2 Releasing in Theatres?

Gladiator 2 is releasing in the UK on November 15, 2024, and in the USA on November 22, 2024. The film will also be releasing globally on the latter date.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2024 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).