Gladiator 2: Cast, plot & more

Gladiator 2 – a follow-up to the acclaimed 2000 movie starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix – is officially in the works. Here’s everything we know about the movie so far, from potential release date and plot details to the cast and more. 

Acclaimed director Ridley Scott returns to helm the sequel to his Oscar-winning masterpiece Gladiator. Released in 2000, Gladiator has been frequently referred to as one of the most remarkable films in history, owing to its exceptional cinematography, unforgettable performances, and the legendary score crafted by composer Hans Zimmer.

The original grossed over 503.2 million worldwide, exceeding expectations and cementing its place as a commercial hit. In addition to its financial achievements, Gladiator also garnered impressive reviews, holding an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80% score from the critics. 

And now, after 23 years, a sequel is confirmed to be in the pipeline. We have gathered all the information available about Gladiator 2, including plot specifics, casting updates, and more, to keep you informed about this highly anticipated project.

Contents:

• Gladiator 2 release window details
• Gladiator 2 cast details
• Gladiator 2 plot details
• Gladiator 2 theatrical and streaming service release

Gladiator 2 release window details: When will the film come out?

At the time of writing, we don’t yet have a release window, let alone a release date. However, it has been reported that filming for the sequel was set to begin in March 2023.  The script completed at the end of 2022.

Ridley Scott says the ‘Gladiator 2’ script has been completed.(https://t.co/RXcaiBJtX4) pic.twitter.com/cPsvjNdLNQ

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 13, 2021

Therefore, it is likely that fans can expect Gladiator 2 to release at some point in 2024. Be sure to check back in with this section as we are updated with all the latest release date news.

Gladiator 2 cast: Who is set to star in the sequel?

The original film had an iconic cast, with Russel Crowe winning an Oscar for his leading performance as Maximus as well as Joker star Joaquin Phoenix’s equally impressive role as the antagonistic Commodus.

And the sequel is shaping up to boast another star-studded cast, with some of Hollywood’s most promising young talents attached to the project. So far, these are the actors who are confirmed and rumored to be starring in Gladiator 2.

The Cast of Gladiator 2:• Paul Mescal• Barry Keoghan• Denzel Washington pic.twitter.com/ix3Vj1Xa1N

— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) March 17, 2023

• Paul Mescal as Lucius
• Denzel Washington in an unknown role

What’s more, in May 2023, sources told Deadline that Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla. If/when this is confirmed, this will no doubt have huge implications for the plot. Sources also told the outlet that Stranger Things breakout star Joseph Quinn is in negotiations to play Emperor Caracalla.

Deadline later confirmed that The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal would also be joining the cast of the Ridley Scott film in an unknown role.

As of May 18, sources told the outlet that while Eternals star Barry Keoghan was the frontrunner to play the film’s antagonist Emperor Geta, he had to drop out due to scheduling projects. The insiders claim Fred Hechinger of The White Lotus fame is in negotiations to take on the role, while May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas are also reportedly set to join the project in undisclosed roles.

Be sure to check back in with this section as we updated when more cast and crew are confirmed for the project.

Gladiator 2 plot: What will the sequel be about?

Little has been confirmed about the plot of Gladiator 2. However, the focus of the film being on Lucius, the young boy many will remember from the first film as being a big believer of Maximus, does hint at what kind of story fans can expect.

Despite his lineage, there is a chance that Lucius will follow in Maximus’ footsteps and do his best to take on the Colosseum as a Gladiator.

As well as this, it’s looking increasingly likely that his mother, Lucilla, will be in the film. In December 2021, when Nielsen was asked if she would be reprising her role as Lucilla in the sequel, she told the New York Post that she was “not allowed to say anything”. However, the latest news from Deadline appears to suggest that she will. We’ll keep this space updated upon confirmation or any announcements.

Will Gladiator 2 be released in theatres?

It is yet to be confirmed if Gladiator 2 will get a theatrical release or if the sequel will drop straight onto a streaming service. However, given that the first film grossed a total of $503 million USD off of a $103 million USD budget, odds are the studio will want to have a theatrical run of the film before it becomes available to stream.

When it does eventually arrive on a streaming platform, it will most likely drop on Paramount+ given that the Gladiator intellectual property is owned by Paramount Pictures.

That’s everything we know so far about Gladiator 2. In the meantime, check out our other TV and Movie hubs below:

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