Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for the sequel of the 2000 Oscar-winning movie ‘Gladiator’ starring Russel Crowe.
The historical drama feature will premiere in theatres on Nov. 22.
It stars Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielson and is directed by Ridley Scott.
The 2000 epic ‘Gladiator, which also starred Joaquin Phoenix and collected five Oscars, including Best Picture.
Set several decades after the events of the first movie in ancient Rome, Gladiator II centres on Lucius (Mescal) — the grandson of former Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and now the grown-up son of Emperor Commodus — who resides with his family in Numidia.
After ending up in slavery following an invasion led by Roman general Marcus Acacius, Lucius follows the inspiration of Maximus (played by Crowe in the original Gladiator) and competes as a gladiator.
He becomes a gladiator, working for Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington, who sponsors fighters much like Oliver Reed’s Proximo did in the first film.
Lucius protects his birthright, saying he doesn’t know where he was born, adding: “I never knew a mother and or father.”
“You will be my instrument,” Macrinus responds.
It appears that the twin emperors now in place – played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger – are also corrupt. We see them laugh demonically while gladiators die in their mock water battle (which did happen in real life).
Like the original, the film appears to be about the corruption of power, with worthy, embattled individuals taking on the might of Rome’s rulers.
Lucius favours “strength and honour”, while another Roman general, Marcus Acacius, played by The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal, says: “I will not waste another generation of young men for their vanity,” alongside footage of the emperors.
We don’t yet know enough about Pascal’s character to know where his morals fully lie.
The trailer ends with Mescal and Pascal battling in the arena, with the gladiator looking like he has the advantage, as he holds two swords crossed over the army general’s neck.
Scott directed ‘Gladiator II’ from a script by David Scarpa. Scott, Lucy Fisher, David Franzoni, Michael Pruss and Douglas Wick serve as producers.
