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More than 20 years after the first Gladiator film, the sequel, Gladiator II, was finally released in theatres. Following Lucius Verus, the film traces his journey as he is taken away from Numidia when the Roman general Marcus Acacius attacks his home. He is then brought back to Rome where he has to serve as his Gladiator in the games at the Colosseum.
Gladiator II follows Lucius' journey from freeing Rome from its corrupt emperors so he can bring about the dream that was dreamt by his father Maximus.
However, following the death of Maximus in the original Gladiator, things only got worse for Rome as it was then taken over by the young and insane emperor twins Caracalla and Geta.
Warning: Spoilers for Gladiator II to follow
While Lucius is able to restore Rome's glory and free it from its oppressors, that journey comes at a huge cost.
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What happens in Gladiator II?
Why is Lucius separated from Lucilla?
In a flashback sequence in Gladiator II, it is revealed that Lucius is the son of Maximus and Lucilla (something that was hinted at in the first film). However, due to Maximus dying, Lucilla sends Lucius away, fearing that power-hungry folks will be after his claim to the throne.
This leads Lucius living in Numidia 16 years after the events of the first film. He lives with a wife and has taken up the name Hanno.
However, when Roman general Marcus Acacius attacks Numidia, Lucius' wife is killed. He is then taken away to Rome to be sold off as a slave and he swears revenge on Marcus. However, Lucius is then discovered by Macrinus who wins him over with his display of brute force.
Macrinus buys Lucius and then tells him that if he wants to be a free man, he must fight for him. In return, Lucius asks for Acacius' head.
On the other hand, it is revealed that Acacius trained under Maximus and is now married to Lucilla. He is growing tired of the Roman emperors Geta and Caracalla and doesn't wish to shed more blood in their name.
The husband and wife stage an insurgency to overthrow them and has an army that is arriving to Rome in a few days which will help them as well.
Also read: Russell Crowe is "slightly uncomfortable" with Ridley Scott's upcoming movie Gladiator II
What is Macrinus' plan in Gladiator II?
It is also revealed that Macrinus used to be a slave and he earned his freedom. He then buys and keeps Gladiators, offering them freedom, but his plans run deeper than that. In reality, he believes that god sent him to Rome so that he can rule it and let it fall, and then help rebuild it in Gladiator II.
When he finds Lucius, he finds a spark in him and thinks that his brute force will help him reach to the top. He promises Lucius his freedom and the head of the Roman general Acacius if he will fight for him - if he disagrees with him, then Lucius will die.
Fighting as Macrinus' champion at the Colosseum games, Lucius is able to impress the emperors which then helps Macrinus gain some leverage too.
Also read: 7 movies to watch while waiting for 'Gladiator 2'
How does Marcinus get in power?
In Gladiator II, Lucius is hellbent on getting revenge on Acacius not knowing that he respected his father and is married to his mother. During the first game at the Colosseum, Lucilla recognizes Lucius and later confirms that he is her son after all.
She then meets him and apologizes for abandoning him all those years ago. Lucius doesn't accept the apology and still harbors hatred for her.
However, Macrinus learns about Lucius' true origins and also learns about the coup on the crown.
He then reveals it to the emperors who arrest Acacius and Lucilla under the allegations of treason, but instead of killing Acacius, they leave his fate to the gods and force him to fight Lucius in the Colosseum as he is the current champion.
Macrinus, on the other hand, comes in their good graces.
During the fight in Colosseum, Lucius is able to best Acacius, but he doesn't kill him when Acacius shows remorse. Rather, the emperors have their archers kill Acacius and the people of Rome turn on them. During a tense scenario, the brothers are skirmishing among themselves and Macrinus convinces Geta to kill Caracalla by telling him that his brother constantly undermines him.
Geta goes forward with the killing and becomes the sole emperor of Rome. He then appoints Macrinus to a rank in his council and sets the stage for the final game at the Colosseum.
How does Lucius gain his freedom and free Rome?
Lucius eventually ends up forgiving his mother and Lucilla gives him the ring that she carried with her in Gladiator II. She notifies him about Acacius' army and this leads to Lucius planning a coup of his own.
In the final game, Lucius will be commanded to protect his mother against the soldiers of Rome, but he sends the prison doctor Ravi, who is loyal to him, to gather Acacius' army.
He informs Ravi to tell them that he is actually Lucius, the Prince of Rome and he requires their help. Lucius then makes his way to the Colosseum where he has freed all the Gladiators and leads them to the battle for Rome.
Lucilla is chained to a chariot and is placed in the center of the Colosseum while a battle takes place.
Amidst the chaos, Macrinus kills Geta as well. When Lucius goes to free Lucilla, Macrinus shoots an arrow at her, killing her. This fills Lucius with rage who then chases down Macrinus.
The two debate about their morals, with Macrinus revealing how he is the one who will make Rome fall while Lucius still wants to free it from people like him.
The two then start fighting and Lucius kills Macrinus and comes out on top. Becoming the new prince of Rome, Lucius finally convinces the Roman army to follow Maximus' dream. Gladiator II then ends with Lucius mourning the death of his mother in Colosseum while asking his father for guidance.
Does Gladiator II set up a sequel?
While a Gladiator 3 hasn't been announced to be in development yet, director Ridley Scott has shared plans for a potential sequel. Talking to Variety, the director shared what he envisions for a potential third film.
“The ending of Gladiator II is reminiscent of ‘The Godfather,’ with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want, and wondering, ‘ Now, Father, what do I do? ‘ So the next [film] will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”
With Gladiator II ending with its protagonist alive, fans can certainly expect Lucius to return for the third film it is set to be made. It may perhaps follow Lucius who is finding it difficult to be an effective ruler, considering this was never something he wanted.
Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington is playing in theatres right now.
