Paramount Pictures is preparing to send audiences into the Colosseum withGladiator II,the long-awaited sequel toRidley Scott’sAcademy Award-winning action flickGladiator.Ahead of the film springing to life this November,Empire Magazinehas released two new images of the project, which show off new looks at two ofGladiator II’sA-list stars,Paul MescalandPedro Pascal,while also giving some more details about the filming process.
The first image shows off Mescal as Lucius as he is forced to fight in the chaotic, deadly environment of the Colosseum in Rome. Taken prisoner, Lucius must fight to survive against some of the harshest conditions of the Roman Empire - and its ruthless emperors,Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). The other image shows off Pascal in full-armored action as Marcus Acacius, a brutal Roman general who was once under the tutelage of the protagonist of the first film,Russell Crowe’sMaximus. Marcus Acacius is shown in the midst of a full-throated battle.
Scott, fresh off directingGladiator II,described the film as “the best thing I’ve ever made,” though he has “made a few good’uns.” The legendary director said ofGladiator II, “It’sfull-bore, brutal action,” which is seemingly evidenced by the pictures. Mescal also spoke about the physical elements of playing a gladiator, telling Empire, “I had always had a kind of latent ambition to do something that was more muscular and physical.” Mescal added, “We made an attempt to not feel slick. You’re feeling like their bodies are slowing down as they’re fighting. It’s not liketing-ting-ting! It’s more brutal. You’re feeling the fatigue.”
Gladiator II Has a Superstar Cast
Beyond the aforementioned stars,Gladiator IIhas a large ensemble of well-known faces working to bring Ancient Rome to life. This includesDenzel Washingtonas Macrinus, a former slave who now controls his own unit of imprisoned gladiators. Other cast members includeMay Calamawy, Alexander Karim,andRory McCann.Additionally,Derek JacobiandConnie Nielsenreprise their roles as Lucilla and Senator Gracchus, respectively, from the first film.
Scott, also known for his iconic films such asAlien, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down,andBlade Runner,directedGladiator IIfrom a script byDavid Scarpa.Scott is also producing the film alongsideMichael Prussfor their Scott Free Productions banner, whileDoug WickandLucy Fisherproduce for Red Wagon Entertainment. Executive producers includeWalter ParkesandLaurie MacDonald.
Gladiator IIwill be released in theaters on Aug 08, 2025, in the United States.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
