Get Ready for ‘Gladiator II’: Paul Mescal Steps into the Arena in Ridley Scott’s Sequel. Mescal portrays Lucius, son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and the late Lucius Verus, and nephew of Commodus, originally played by Joaquin Phoenix.
Set in Numidia, ‘Gladiator II’ follows Lucius as he returns to Rome, now a gladiator, and reconnects with his mother Lucilla. The film also stars Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general, and Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy owner of gladiators known for his cruelty. The trailer showcases thrilling scenes, including Lucius facing off against a formidable rhinoceros.
Hans Zimmer composed the soundtrack heard in the trailer and movie.Despite initial filming starting in June and being interrupted by entertainment industry strikes last summer, production resumed in December. ‘Gladiator II’ is now slated for a worldwide release on November 22.