We Have Our First Gladiator II Trailer, Starring Paul Mescal
There’s never been a better time to think about the Roman Empire, because the highly anticipated Gladiator II has released its first trailer. Starring Paul Mescal (All Of Us Strangers, Normal People), the news has been around for a while, but this is the first time we’re getting a look at scenes from the film – and it looks pretty epic.
From director Ridley Scott, who also directed the original Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, the sequel has big shoes to fill with the film winning five Oscars, including Best Actor.
What do we know about the film?
With a screenplay by David Scarpa, Gladiator II continues years after the much-loved hero Maximus (Crowe) meets his death at the hands of Commodus. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, who is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the emperors ruling Rome, and “with rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honour to return the glory of Rome to its people.”
With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.”
Lucius also happens to be the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who murdered his father to seize the throne. Pedro Pascal serves as General Marcus Acacius, who leads Roman soldiers into the town of Numidia and forces Lucius, among others, into slavery. Inspired by the legend of Maximus, Lucius chooses to fight as a gladiator and oppose the rule of the corrupt emperors, played by Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn.
The trailer opens with Lucious recalling a childhood memory where he had watched Maximus battling his uncle. There are some pretty epic fight scenes including Paul Mescal leading a charge against a rhino and an intense water battle in the Colosseum. As Mescal says in the trailer, “It’s all about survival”. Plus, the internet has been torn about the soundtrack – featuring the song No Church in the Wild, by Jay-Z and Kanye West.
Who else stars in Gladiator II?
The movie will also see Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington.
When will Gladiator II be released?
Just a few months to go: The movie is set to release in theatres on 15th November.
