Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal’s first look in Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator II’

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal star in Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator II,’ exploring the aftermath of Maximus’ sacrifice.

Ridley Scott's highly anticipated sequel to "Gladiator" is set to hit theaters on November 22, featuring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal as central characters in a brutal and chaotic Rome. Mescal, known for his role in "Normal People," plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who grows up away from Rome, only to return as a warrior battling in the arena. Pascal portrays Marcus Acacius, a Roman general with a complex connection to the legacy of Russell Crowe’s Maximus.

As reported by Vanity Fair, Scott discovered Mescal while watching "Normal People" and immediately saw potential in him for "Gladiator II." “When I watch anything, I tend to be clocking who’s interesting,” Scott said. “It’s just in my DNA. And so, watching a TV show that’s not really my kind of TV show almost four years ago, I said, ‘Who’s this guy?’” Mescal’s physicality and acting prowess quickly secured him the role without the need for a camera test.

The sequel explores the aftermath of Maximus’s sacrifice, with Lucius now an adult living a peaceful life in Numidia. His life is disrupted when Roman conquerors, led by Pascal’s Acacius, invade. “He’s taken root in a seacoast town in Numidia... It’s one of the last surviving civilizations, as the Romans begin to descend in North Africa and take it all over,” Scott explained.

Pascal’s character, Acacius, trained under Maximus and carries a code of honor influenced by him. “This movie has an identity that is shaped by his legacy,” Pascal noted. However, Acacius is also depicted as a formidable and sometimes ruthless general. “He’s a very, very good general, which can mean a very good killer,” Pascal added to Vanity Fair

The narrative delves into themes of power, survival, and familial bonds amidst the political struggles of Rome. “What human beings will do to survive, but also what human beings will do to win,” Mescal reflected. The film also features Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

Ridley Scott, at 86, remains deeply invested in the project, viewing it as a personal endeavor. His historical and personal experiences have influenced his vision for the film, paralleling ancient conflicts with contemporary issues. “The leadership is in total chaos. We have demagogues... The people who are in charge are out of their minds, and everyone is too afraid to contradict. That’s familiar ground right now,” Scott commented.

"Gladiator II" promises to deliver a gripping continuation of the original film's legacy, blending intense action with deep storytelling about the human condition and power dynamics.