Gladiator 2: Everything we know
Who the f*ck is casting this movie??
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REMEMBER EARLIER THIS YEAR, when we learned that Paul Mescal would trade his chain for a sword in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel? Well, he’s also getting absolutely ripped. In fact, the man is suddenly so damn swole that people can’t help but comment on his transformation.
“With films like this and superhero films, there is sometimes a focus on that,” Mescal told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t find that interesting. Of course, there’s a physical robustness required for the character, but past that, I’m not interested. This guy’s got to fight and got to be a beast. And whatever that looks and feels like is right for me is what it’s going to be.” So, do your best not to bring attention to Mescal’s new physique, no matter how thirsty you are online.
We’re finally learning new details on Ridley Scott’s upcoming epic. Here’s everything we know about Gladiator 2, so far.
@goss.ie Blessing your FYP with this clip of Paul Mescal training for Gladiator 2 😍 #fyp #foryoupage #Gladiator #Gladiator2 #PaulMescal ♬ Whatta Man (feat. En Vogue) – Salt 'N' Pepa
Who else has been cast in Gladiator 2?
As it turns out, Mescal won’t be the only Hollywood darling in the cast, either. Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington will reportedly co-star in the film as well. Pascal is the latest actor to join the project, following his critically acclaimed appearance in The Last of Us — with Deadline revealing that he’ll shoot the sequel for Paramount between seasons of the HBO series.
Until now, neither Pascal nor Washington’s roles had been announced, but a source close to the project did say that Washington was excited about playing the “badass role” that was crafted with him in mind. Ridley Scott himself has shined some light on the matter in an interview with Total Film Magazine.
Delving into the intricacies of Washington’s complex character, and giving us a glimpse into what we can expect from the highly-anticipated sequel, Scott opened up on Washington’s role. “As for Denzel’s character… There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive. That was the deal. So we went right into that, in-depth,” Scott said. “Where did he come from? How was he taken? He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that’s how he comes into the story.”
In plainer terms, “He’s a rich guy who’s still carrying a grudge,” Scott explained.
What is Gladiator 2 about?
After the script was finalized in November of last year, Mescal was one of the first actors to meet with Scott, and he was promptly tapped as the lead, Lucius. For those who need a quick refresher: Lucius is Lucilla’s (Connie Nielsen) son in the original movie. Back then, the character was a young child whose life was saved by Maximus (Russell Crowe) after the final battle.
The sequel takes place years after the first film ended, where Lucius is all grown up and ready to embark on his own journey. The official plot synopsis has not been released, but from the sound of things, the next Gladiator will largely follow Lucius’s life as an adult in Ancient Rome.
Who is in the team behind Gladiator 2?
Though the Gladiator sequel is still in development, Scott has secured a team to bring the film to life. He is producing the sequel alongside Michael Pruss, the president of Scott Free Productions, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher from Red Wagon Entertainment. Scott also brought on Janty Yates, the original costume designer for Gladiator, along with Arthur Max, the original production designer.
When will Gladiator 2 be released?
Gladiator 2 has been set for a November 22, 2024 release date in the USA—barring any setbacks—and an Australian release could be even further off. So it’ll be just a little wait before we can see all these leading men duking it out in gladiator armour.
This article by Bria McNeal and Josh Rosenberg originally appeared on Esquire US.
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