The Story behind ‘Gladiator 2’ Sequel – A Detailed Insight

The Oscar-winning actor, Russell Crowe had announced previously that no one related
to the production of ‘Gladiator 2’ reached out to him when planning the sequel. Given that the movie’s plot barely explores the character he played in the 2000’s epic, several speculations were made about his involvement. Given his iconic performance as Maximus, which won him an Academy Award, it came to no surprise that his character’s tragic demise left fans questioning about his probable resurgence in the sequel. Ridley Scott, the director himself, mentioned in one of his candid interviews with Empire magazine (as reported by ScreenRant) that he hopes his rapport with Crowe remains unaffected despite him not being associated with ‘Gladiator 2’.

When asked about the sequel, Scott bluntly said “The plot, was right under our noses.” He admitted that the plot was so blatantly evident that the makers thought it was too simple. He still regards Crowe as one of the best global actors and values their relationship and hopes to not ignite any despair regarding the non-consulation for the sequel. Why should I reach out, Russell Crowe’s character is dead, says the director with a sense of affirmation.

Featured on Variety

There was a point when Scott envisaged a different plot as he harbored thoughts to resurrect Maximus’ character for ‘Gladiator 2’, but the storylines were often flagged as too ‘ridiculous.’ An instance of such eccentric concept was a script named ‘Gladiator 2: Christ Killer’ from Nick Cave, which narrated Maximus’ escape from purgatory in a bid to assassinate Christ. This aforementioned concept was presented to DreamWorks but didn’t materialize. Eventually, Scott found the perfect sequel plot from David Scarpa, his screenwriter for ‘All the Money in the World’.

Scott’s ‘Gladiator 2′ will star Paul Mescal portraying the character of Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and nephew of the original film’s antagonist, Commodus, brought to life by Joaquin Phoenix. The new film revolves around Lucius’ life years later in the northern African region of Numidia, where his mother sent him as a child to be outside the grasp of the Roman Empire. An unforeseen twist of events leads Lucius back to Rome, where he becomes a gladiator and encounters new foes while re-acquainting with his mother.

In an interview with Esquire UK in 2020, Mescal revealed that he never reached out to Crowe post the sequel announcement. He was unsure what subjects they could possibly discuss about; he’d be delighted to hear Crowe’s stories from the original shooting, but he clarified that his character is completely distinct from Crowe’s Maximus.

Crowe on the other hand never expected Mescal to reach out to him. He was utterly resolute about Maximus’ demise at the end of the original ‘Gladiator’ saga. During the previous year’s Karlovy Film Festival, Crowe expressed his weariness towards incessant questioning about him in relation to the sequel.

In his emphatic words, Crowe expressed, “They should be paying me for the amount of questions I am asked about a film I am not even in.” He stated that the sequel has no connection to him, and in the world of ‘Gladiator’, he is deceased, lying six feet under. He admitted, however, to a hint of jealousy, remembering his younger self and reflecting on what the role meant to him in his life.

The Unrevealed Sequel Details

With a firm belief in Scott’s decision to have a second installment after a gap of 20-odd years, Crowe looks forward to an outstanding result. While not knowing any details about the cast or plot, he trusts that the director must have had compelling reasons to do so.

In a recent interview in “Kyle Meredith With…” Crowe confessed about his discomfort regarding ‘Gladiator 2’ as he lacks any control on the outcome due to his character’s non-existence. He disliked a few ideas he came across and found them going wayward from the moral journey of his character. However, he cannot voice his concerns as he has no right to do so.

Crowe and Scott’s camaraderie extends beyond the realm of ‘Gladiator’ as they have collaborated on multiple projects including ‘Robin Hood’, ‘A Good Year’, and ‘American Gangster’. The much-anticipated ‘Gladiator’ sequel is set to hit the theaters on the 22nd of November, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

FAQs – The ‘Gladiator 2’ Sequel

Q1. Who stars in the sequel ‘Gladiator 2’?
Answer: Paul Mescal has been cast in the lead role, playing the character of Lucius, the son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus.

Q2. What will be the plot for ‘Gladiator 2’?
Answer: Lucius, now living in northern Africa, is brought back to Rome due to unexpected circumstances where he faces new foes as a Gladiator.

Q3: Who are the creators of ‘Gladiator 2’?
Answer: The sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, with the screenplay by David Scarpa.

Q4: When is the theater release of ‘Gladiator 2’?
Answer: ‘Gladiator 2’ is set to release in theaters on the 22nd of November.


Credit: variety.com