“Gladiator 2”: what to expect from the sequel to the 2000 classic

“Are you ready to be entertained?” This is the phrase used in several promotional materials for “Gladiator 2” alluding to a scene from the original film. Well, prepare to be entertained.

The sequel to Ridley Scott’s epic hits theaters this Thursday (14) and takes the audience back to the Roman Empire, but 25 years after the events of the first production. The future of the heir to the throne Lucius, who appears as a child in the original, is the center of the plot.

CNN has already seen the film and lists below the main points of “Gladiator 2” and what to expect from the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning 2000 title.

What to expect from “Gladiator 2”?

• Plot

“Gladiator 2” enriches the universe created by Ridley Scott years ago. The plot is set 25 years after the events of the first film and explores the future of the young heir Lucius (Paul Mescal), who has a arc similar to Maximus’, but manages to step out of the hero’s shadow, having his own story.

The protagonist is forcibly taken to Rome after Numidia, where he was hidden as a child, is conquered by an army of the Roman Empire led by Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). He catches the attention of the mercenary Macrinus (Denzel Washington) and becomes the “lord of the Gladiators” biggest bet, leading a group in games at the Coliseum.

In the arena where he saw Maximus and Commodus die, Lucius, who keeps his identity a secret and is known as Hanno, has a big revelation about his past as he struggles to survive . Outside, Lucilla, Marcus Acacius and the senators plan a coup against Emperors Geta and Caracalla. Macrinus is also the one who works inside and outside the Coliseum.

The film explores more stories beyond the main one, unlike the first film, which focused exclusively on the main plot. They add more layers to the story and characters.

• Characters

The second film brings new characters – some as interesting as those in the original film. Although Lucius appears in “Gladiator” (2000), it is now that we meet the heir to the throne. Mescal brings a serious and angry protagonist, but different from Maximus.

The highlight on the screen goes to Denzel Washington, who steals the show and has as much relevance as the main character. Playing the role of the ambitious and intelligent antagonist, he goes beyond a caricatured villain, with facial expressions and striking humor. Furthermore, Macrinus brings a curious and thought-provoking past.

Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen have their role in the plot, but the second serves more as a point of connection with the first film than relevance to the story.

• Visual

As impactful as the first, but now with more features, the look of “Gladiator 2 ” is impressive, making the film a true giant – one that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

The new film better explores Ancient Rome and the myths that accompany this period in history, adding a touch of fiction and spectacularization, with the setting as one of the film’s protagonists.

Another highlight are the action scenes and the elements that accompany them. The director himself Ridley Scott highlighted the possibilities he had when making a sequence with the help of artificial intelligence.

• Connection to the first film

“Gladiator 2” seeks connections with the original production in the script and emotions. The direct connection is the character from the first film being the protagonist of the sequel and the return of Connie Nielsen as Lucilla. However, the film creates its own narrative and tells its own story.

A connection already theorized and confirmed in the 2024 film is Lucius’ paternity. Maximus and Marcus Aureilius are always remembered, constantly mentioned in the sequence, making a point of reminding the viewer of the characters.

Watch the trailer for “Gladiator 2”

This content was originally published in “Gladiador 2”: what to expect from the sequel to the 2000 classic on the CNN Brasil website.

Source: CNN Brasil