Gladiator 2: A Sequel that Pays Homage to the Original
Gladiator 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Best Picture-winning Ancient Rome epic, and the movie takes many of its elements from the original film. The movie follows Lucius Verus, the young son of Lucilla from the first movie, who was outcast from Rome after the death of Commodus. Feeling betrayed by his mother for sending him away, Lucius has grown to resent the Roman Empire, and instead of returning to the city, he lives with a wife in Numidia on the northern coast of Africa.
The movie begins with a naval invasion of Numidia, led by General Acacius, who is fighting alongside Lucius and his wife. Lucius is eventually knocked out and taken as a prisoner of war by the Roman forces, kickstarting the movie’s events.
Lucius’ journey mirrors that of Maximus from the original movie, with both characters fighting for revenge against Rome. After Lucilla’s wife is killed in the opening battle, Lucius vows to get revenge against General Acacius, who is responsible for her death. However, Lucius ultimately decides not to kill Acacius, instead learning more about him and realizing that he isn’t his true enemy.
Lucius becomes a slave and rises to prominence as a gladiator, with the help of Macrinus, who buys him and uses him to win bets against Senator Thraex. Lucius’ goals align with Macrinus’, and he promises Lucius the head of General Acacius if he continues to win fights for him.
The movie also features several characters based on or inspired by real historical figures. The twin Emperors, Caracalla and Geta, rule Rome, showing little interest in the common people that make up their empire. They insist that Acacius continue to invade new territories for them, as they desire their legacy to regard them as conquerors.
Macrinus, the former slave turned gladiator owner, becomes the villain of the movie. Unlike Proximo from the original, Macrinus has a major twist, using Lucius to gain power in Rome before killing him and seizing control.
The movie also pays homage to the original, using several quotes from Gladiator. The iconic line “What we do in life echoes in eternity” is used multiple times, and the quote “Strength and honor” is repeated by several characters in the sequel. The movie also features a similar plot to the original, with Lucius using his skills as a gladiator to unite his fellow fighters and lead them to victory.
In the end, Lucius becomes a leader among the gladiators, earning the respect of the Roman legions after he kills Macrinus. The movie’s climax features a massive battle, with Lucius’ army of 5,000 men marching to the gates of Rome to overthrow the emperors.
Gladiator 2 is set to be released on November 22, 2024, and stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. The movie has been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.