Gladiator 2 will have "the biggest action sequences put on film," according to movie execs

Gladiator 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 epic drama Gladiator, featuring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Director Ridley Scott is back with a sequel after almost a quarter century and the film executives state that Gladiator 2 features some eye-catching action sequences.

At CineEurope (June 17 to June 20), Gladiator 2 showcased a new trailer and extended footage of stars Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. Ridley Scott introduced the presentation via video, calling the sequel "well worth the wait." Mark Viane, Paramount’s president of international theatrical distribution, stated that Gladiator 2 will have some of the "biggest action sequences ever put on film."

The film is scheduled for a premiere across theaters on November 22, 2024.

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What we know about Gladiator 2 till now

As per reports, the upcoming film is set in a timeline 15 years after the events of the first Gladiator film.

The sequel features Paul Mescal as a grown-up Lucius, the son of Lucius Verus and Lucilla. The character was originally played by Spencer Treat Clark in the first film. Now, Lucius, the former heir to the Roman Empire, has become a gladiator and lived in the wilderness for the past 15 years. Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla.

Pedro Pascal is also a leading character in the sequel. According to GamesRadar, extended footage shown at CineEurope in Barcelona included a scene where Paul Mescal's Lucius Verus battles Pedro Pascal's character. True to the Gladiator lore, the film reportedly features brutal and bloody action sequences, man-eating primates, and tyrannical monarchs.

The film also stars characters to be played by Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, May Calamawy, Derek Jacobi, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas, and Tim McInnerny among others.

The production of Gladiator 2 commenced early in June 2023 however, it was delayed for a long time due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes last year. The filming resumed once the strikes ended, leading to the wrapping up of the production on January 17, 2024.

The film was the showcasing event of Paramount's slate presentation in CineEurope, Barcelona. The event pulled out all the stops for the presentation of the film as they built cardboard structures such as the Coliseum around the main theater. Surrounded by Roman legionnaires, the showcase stole the spotlight for Paramount's presentation spot.

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Stay tuned for more news and updates about Gladiator 2. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 22, 2024.