The trailer of the much-awaited Gladiator II, the sequel to its 2000 blockbuster, has finally been released. Ridley Scott’s upcoming directorial stars Paul Mescal in the role of a grown-up Lucius, who was portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the previous film of the franchise. The movie is set almost 20 years after the events of Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. As per the trailer, the story takes place in Numidia, northern Africa, where Lucius was sent by his mother Lucilla to stay away from the corrupt Roman Empire’s influence. However, some turn of events prompts him to come back to Rome and become a gladiator.
“From director Ridley Scott, watch the new Official Trailer for Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger – Only in theatres November 22," read the official description of the trailer.
It begins with Paul Mescal as Lucius, looking at the rudis, a wooden sword, which was given to Maximus by the late slave owner Proximo, played by Oliver Reed. It is a weapon that signifies freedom in the world of Gladiators as it is given to enslaved gladiators by the emperor as a symbol of them being free.
Further into the trailer, we also get a glimpse of Lucius confronting new challenges and adversities. It includes the cunning Roman general Marcus Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal, and the wealthy arms dealer Macrinus, portrayed by Denzel Washington. The trailer further shows the grand scale and spectacle that fans have undoubtedly expected from a Gladiator sequel. It also has some sweeping shots of the Colosseum and intense action sequences from scenes of the battlefield.
Later in the trailer, the character Macrinus clearly declares that he wants to see Rome fall and appears to be manipulating events, in order to lead his own army.
Another aspect of the trailer that might interest the franchise fans is the inclusion of a modern hip-hop soundtrack in most scenes.
Overall, the trailer promises to keep up with the hype created, even 24 years after its first film that was released on September 1, 2000. Directed by Ridley Scott, the first installment had won five Oscars out of eleven nominations. Gladiator had also bagged numerous BAFTA awards and two Golden Globes at that time.
For now, we will have to wait a few more months to see what Gladiator II has to offer. It is set to hit theatres on November 22.
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