At CinemaCon 2024, Paramount Pictures gave those in attendance their first look at Ridley Scott’s much anticipated Gladiator 2. In the footage, we find out that Lucius is a gladiator now, and Denzel plays a significant role as an arms and commodity dealer with close ties to him. Ridley Scott revealed that Lucius has been isolated “in the wilderness” for 15 years, estranged from his mother, who presumes him dead. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal portrays a Roman general in the film. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are playing co-emperors Caracalla and Geta.

Encyclopedia Britannica describes Caracalla as a figure of vehemence and cruelty, traits he reportedly emphasized to instill fear. Geta’s real-life story features political strife with his brother, culminating in Caracalla murdering Geta during a familial conflict, setting a tense backdrop for their characters in Gladiator 2.

Also, the sequel hints that Maximus’s legacy profoundly influences Lucius’s journey, inspired by his defiance against the empire. In Gladiator 2, Lucius, supported by Denzel’s character, seems poised to challenge another despotic power.

Gladiator 2 also features many gladiatorial battles, including fights with baboons, a rhino, and an innovative aquatic naval battle staged in the Colosseum. A key highlight is the clash between Paul Mescal’s Lucius and Pedro Pascal’s Roman general, which promises to be a central conflict in the film.