Ridley Scott Returns
More than two decades after Gladiator, Ridley Scott returned to direct its sequel.
Movie
Gladiator II
Prepare to be entertained.
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Why it's in the Vault
Gladiator II returns to Ridley Scott's vision of ancient Rome with a new generation of warriors, emperors and political schemers. Paul Mescal brings restrained anger and physical intensity to Lucius, while Pedro Pascal gives Marcus Acacius an appealing combination of military authority and moral conflict. But it is Denzel Washington who steals much of the film as Macrinus, a charismatic and ruthlessly ambitious manipulator whose every appearance injects fresh energy into the story. The arena sequences are lavish, the political rivalries entertaining and the production design impressively grand. Harry Gregson-Williams delivers a powerful score that respectfully echoes the musical identity of the original without simply reproducing it. The sequel cannot quite recapture the emotional purity of Maximus's journey or the unforgettable impact of Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard's music, and some of its extravagances strain credibility. Yet judged on its own terms, this is a confident, highly enjoyable historical spectacle, far more rewarding than its harshest detractors suggest.
— Matty, Curator of the Vault*
Atmosphere
Epic, brutal, decadent, political, spectacular
Epic spectacle
Combat and brutality
Political intrigue
Emotional intensity
Contains graphic combat violence, blood, executions, slavery, deaths, political cruelty, animal attacks and intense arena sequences.
Dans les coulisses
Ce qu'on ne voit pas à l'écran
A New Leading Warrior
Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla, continuing the story of a character introduced as a child in the first film.
Denzel Washington's Macrinus
Washington plays a former slave turned influential power broker, one of the sequel's central political figures.
A Different Composer
Harry Gregson-Williams composed the score, succeeding Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard's celebrated musical work on the original.
A Real Historical Figure
The film's co-emperors Geta and Caracalla were historical Roman rulers, although their personalities and political circumstances are heavily dramatized.
An Oscar Nomination for Costumes
Janty Yates and Dave Crossman received a nomination for Best Costume Design at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Aux origines
An original sequel screenplay by David Scarpa
Palette
Les couleurs du film
Imperial Crimson#8C3436
Arena Bronze#A17B4E
Marble Ivory#D2C5AD
Tyrant Purple#59435C
Bloodied Iron#51575A
Roman Shadow#29292C
Images
Photogrammes
Collection
