Gladiator 2 Trailer Is Out, And Fans Are Thrilled

Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Pedro Pascal star in the sequel to the epic historical film

May

• Published in Film & TV
• July 24, 2024

The sequel to the 2000 historical drama starring Russell Crowe now features a fresh lead, with Paul Mescal (Normal People) taking on the starring role. Denzel Washington joins the cast as a former slave seeking revenge on his past oppressors.

What makes the sequel more exciting are Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and May Calamawy joining the ensemble. The movie combines some of the hottest rising stars with seasoned icons like Denzel.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the trailer, with many proclaiming it as the "return of cinema." The first film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a loyal Roman general.

Betrayed by the ambitious Commodus, the emperor's son who murders his father and seizes the throne, Maximus is left for dead. The former Roman general was captured by slave traders, becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the arena, driven by a desire for vengeance.

Maximus's prowess and popularity in the Colosseum challenge Commodus's rule, culminating in a dramatic confrontation. The film explores themes of loyalty, power, and redemption against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

With its compelling performances, especially Crowe's Oscar-winning role, and stunning action sequences, "Gladiator" remains a celebrated classic in cinematic history. Let's see how fans reacted when the trailer dropped.

Watch the trailer here.

Cinema is back, looking great man.

A fan commented on X.

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal lead the cast in the new film.

Other fans were excited about the new ensemble.

OMG I can’t wait!!!! PEDRO MFing PASCAL!!!!!

Another fan posted:

Looks incredible. Was on the fence of them creating a second but I think it’s in great hands after watching the trailer. I am entertained!

Paul Mescal steps into the role of the film's lead.

Russell Crowe has expressed his discomfort with the idea of another film.

In one of Kyle Meredith's videos, Crowe said:

I’m a bit uneasy about them making another one—especially since I’m dead and have no control over what gets done.

But a couple of the things I’ve heard I’m like ‘No, no, no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character’. But I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six foot under. So we’ll see what that is like.

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE FIRST FILM.

Crowe’s Maximus dies at the end of the first film. In the sequel, Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla, while her son Lucius, played by Mescal, will be the central character.

Moved by Maximus’ death, Lucius chooses not to assume Caesar's role. Director Ridley Scott will be returning to helm the sequel, following his work on Napoleon, and revisiting what is arguably his most successful film.

The strikes have significantly inflated the budget for Gladiator 2, with estimates reaching up to $310 million. While the film is poised for success, it will have a tough act to follow in terms of the original’s Oscar achievements.

The first installment garnered 12 nominations and secured five wins, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Sound.

The trailer debuted at CinemaCon, and movie fans are just pumped to see the characters they loved back on the silver screen.

May