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Gladiator 2 is finally out in the UK and we can’t wait to return to the arena.

But, despite the film’s massive success, a sequel was never made… until now.. And while he may not have had the happiest ending, now his son is following in his footsteps.

Paul Mescal as Lucius in Gladiator 2 (2024)

Gladiator 2 was officially announced in 2018 and immediately became one of the most anticipatednew moviesof 2024.

But you may wonder what story Gladiator 2 tells, given the first film’s emotional, jaw-dropping climax.

Is Russell Crowe making a comeback?

Paul Mescal as Lucius and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acaciusin Gladiator 2 (2024)

And what are critics saying about the new flick?

Well, we have all the details below.

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Connie Nielson and Joseph Quinn as Lucilla and Caracalla in Gladiator 2

Gladiator 2 reviews

The Gladiator 2 reviews have been pretty positive at the time of writing.

Most critics recommend the movie with it holding a score of 75% onRotten Tomatoes.

Instead, the new movie takes place 15 years after the first movie and centers around Lucius Verus.

Fred Hechinger as Caracalla in Gladiator 2.

Gladiator 2 sees Lucius thrown into a life of slavery after his home is invaded by General Marcus Acacius.

Lucius mother, Lucilla, sent him to the northern coast of Africa as a young boy.

In fact, Ridley Scott told Total Film that he’s begun work on thescript for Gladiator 3.

Gladiator II | New Trailer (2024 Movie) - Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott - YouTube

“Ive already got eight pages.

Ive got the beginning of a very good footprint,” he revealed.

Honestly, Gladiator 2 is packed, and its plot is epic for sure.

Denzel Washington as Macrinus in Gladiator 2 (2024)

you could also read ourGladiator reviewif you need a quick refresher!

It begins with Paul Mescals character, Lucius, speaking to Denzel Washingtons Macrinus.

Lucius recalls watching Maximus as a boy as he shares his hopes to take down Rome.

Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius looking off in the distance with a worried expression in the movie Gladiator.

Pascals Marcus Acacius, who is a high-up General working for emperors Geta and Caracalla.

“Lucius, take your father’s strength,” she tells him.

“His name was Maximus, and I see him in you.”

Havoc

We also see Lucius fighting a baboon, a rhino, and Pedro Pascal.

Gladiator 2 cast

The Gladiator 2 cast is filled with A-list stars.

Leading the sequel is Paul Mescal as Lucius.

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And, of course, Russell Crowe is missing in action for this sequel.

Is Russell Crowe in Gladiator 2?

Sorry to break all your Maximus hearts, butRussell Crowe has no involvement with Gladiator 2.

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Russell Crowe isn’t in the credits but some theories said hand is his.

We’re currently investigating the rumors, so stay tuned!

If you are a fan of Gladiator, why not check out our list of thebest 2000s moviesever made?

Denzel Washington as Macrinus in Gladiator 2

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