20 Years Later, Ridley Scott’s Epic Historical Drama Sequel Gears Up to Outdo the Original
But things will be quite different here.
Summary:
- After more than 20 years since the release, Ridley Scott ’s epic historical drama is getting a sequel that’s arriving on streaming already this year.
- The sequel’s plot will take the viewer to the same place, but 20 years later, and will revolve around the characters that already appeared in the first movie.
- Despite fans’ high hopes, the first film’s actor won’t be reprising his famous role.
It’s been more than 20 years since Ridley Scott’s Gladiator blew everyone away with a stunning success in the box office and at Hollywood’s awards season after it took home 5 Oscars — and now the famous story is back.
As if Anthony Hopkins’ Those About to Die wasn’t enough for reviving the Roman Empire’s notorious gladiator fights on the screen, Gladiator’s sequel is also on its way — and so far it seems to be quite exciting.
Though the sequel’s name doesn’t give any additional hints — the movie will be released as simple Gladiator II, but will apparently honor the theme with Roman numerals — some plot details that have been emerging lately prove that the story is taking radical twists.
Thus, the plot will now follow the events that take place 20 years after everything that happened in the first movie — and here it will be Lucius who will come up on stage after having decided to carry on the legacy of Marcus, portrayed by Russel Crowe in the original film.
Considering the drastic changes in the plot, Gladiator II will also come with a completely renewed cast that includes Hollywood’s big names. Oscar nominee Paul Mescal, who rose to wide prominence after his role in Normal People, is taking up Lucius’ role while the upcoming film will also feature the appearance of Joseph Quinn as Emperor Caracalla, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and many others.
It’s not known yet who the latter ones will get to play.
Sadly for fans, Russell Crowe’s come-back isn’t planned at all — not in a normal role (which makes sense given that Crowe’s character dies at the end of the first movie) and not even in some kind of flashbacks.
Despite more than 20 years of waiting till the opportunity to come back will show up, the actor doesn’t seem to be sad — and he even cheered on “young fella” Paul Mescal wishing him best of luck.
Gladiator II will be officially released on Paramount+ on November 22, but, knowing how well Ridley Scott’s ambitious historical dramas look on the big screens, it’s more than possible that the film will also hit the cinemas at around the same time.