Cast of Untitled Gladiator Sequel: Who Will Return?

Prepare to be entertained.

Released on November 13, 2024
Action Drama Adventure Europe Italy Antiquity / Ancient Times

In the highly anticipated sequel, "Gladiator II," we find ourselves years after the tragic demise of the legendary Maximus, a hero whose memory continues to reverberate throughout Rome. Paul Mescal steps into the role of Lucius Verus, the young man profoundly affected by the loss of his beloved mentor, Maximus, who fell at the hands of his own uncle. As Rome falls under the ruthless control of tyrannical Emperors, Lucius faces the harsh realities of a life marked by betrayal and oppression. The conquering forces have left his home in ruins, forcing him into the brutal world of the Colosseum, where survival demands not just strength, but also an unyielding spirit.

As Lucius is thrust into the violent arena, his heart seethes with a blend of anger and determination, ignited by the desire to avenge his past and restore honor to his family’s name. The character of Macrinus, played by the formidable Denzel Washington, emerges as a pivotal figure in Lucius’s journey. Macrinus, a seasoned gladiator with a storied history of rebellion against tyranny, serves as both a mentor and a formidable ally. Their shared struggle binds them together in pursuit of liberation, each man's personal battles reflecting the broader fight for justice in a corrupted empire. In this breathtaking narrative, themes of honor, revenge, and redemption intertwine as Lucius grapples with the heavy weight of legacy that the great Maximus left behind.

To reclaim the glory of Rome and reclaim his rightful place as a leader, Lucius must navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue and personal conflict. As he trains to become a gladiator, he reflects on the lessons learned from Maximus, seeking wisdom in the shadows of his own challenges. The stakes grow higher as Lucius engages in fierce battles, both in the arena and against the oppressive regime that seeks to crush his spirit. Viewers can expect a richly woven tale that not only explores the blood-soaked world of gladiatorial combat but also delves into the complexities of loyalty, courage, and the unbreakable bond between mentor and mentee. "Gladiator II" promises to be an epic saga that honors its predecessor while setting the stage for a new chapter in the storied history of Rome.

Gladiator II is part of the Gladiator Collection.

Full Cast of Gladiator II

Paul Mescal

as Lucius Verus / Hanno

Paul Mescal's portrayal of Lucius Verus, also known as Hanno, in "Gladiator II" is a standout performance that brings depth and complexity to a character caught between two worlds. Mescal masterfully embodies the duality of Lucius/Hanno, the adopted son of Commodus, who grapples with his identity and loyalty as he is torn between his Roman upbringing and the call of his Numidian roots. With a nuanced delivery, Mescal captures the inner turmoil of a young nobleman who is both a privileged member of the Roman elite and a sympathetic outsider, harboring a fierce desire for freedom and self-determination. His performance is a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of ancient Rome with a quiet intensity that commands attention. Mescal's portrayal is not only a testament to his range as an actor but also serves as a compelling emotional anchor in the epic tale of power, betrayal, and redemption that unfolds in this highly anticipated sequel to the iconic original.

Denzel Washington

as Macrinus

Denzel Washington delivered a commanding performance as the character Macrinus in "Gladiator II," a sequel to Ridley Scott's epic historical drama. As Macrinus, Washington brought depth and complexity to the role of a Roman general who is both a master strategist and a morally ambiguous figure. His portrayal captured the essence of a man grappling with the weight of power and the intricate web of political intrigue in ancient Rome. Washington's Macrinus is a man whose ambition is tempered by the vulnerabilities of his position, and his performance was marked by a nuanced balance of assertiveness and introspection. With his signature gravitas and charisma, Washington's Macrinus stands as a formidable presence on screen, engaging in a psychological and physical battle of wits against the film's hero, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation.

Pedro Pascal

as General Acacius

In "Gladiator II," Pedro Pascal delivers a commanding performance as General Acacius, a role that demanded both a physical and emotional complexity. Pascal captures the essence of a seasoned military leader, exuding an air of authority and strategic acumen that anchors the film's dramatic tension. His portrayal of Acacius is multifaceted; he is at once a formidable adversary in the arena and a nuanced character outside of it, grappling with the political intrigue and moral ambiguities of the Roman Empire. Pascal's General Acacius is not merely a warrior, but a man of deep conviction and conflict, whose presence on screen is magnetic. His interactions with the other characters are charged with a gravitas that underscores the film's themes of loyalty, power, and redemption. Pascal's performance is a testament to his range as an actor, seamlessly blending the character's inner turmoil with the external grandeur of the epic tale, thereby solidifying General Acacius as one of the most memorable characters in the "Gladiator" saga.

Connie Nielsen

as Lucilla

In the hypothetical sequel "Gladiator II," Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla, the sophisticated and politically astute sister of Emperor Commodus. Her performance is a masterclass in nuanced acting, as she navigates the treacherous waters of Roman high society with a poise born of both vulnerability and steel-eyed resolve. Nielsen's Lucilla is a complex character, torn between her love for her son, her loyalty to Rome, and the lingering memories of her previous affection for Maximus. With every scene, Nielsen brings depth to Lucilla's struggle, portraying a woman who is as much a survivor as she is a strategist, willing to manipulate the threads of power to protect her family and influence the destiny of the empire. Her interactions with the other characters are charged with an undercurrent of tension, as she leverages her intelligence and charm to outmaneuver her adversaries, all while maintaining a graceful facade that masks her formidable ambition. Nielsen's portrayal of Lucilla is not just a high point of the film but a testament to her ability to embody a character that is both a product of her time and a timeless symbol of female resilience and strength.

Joseph Quinn

as Emperor Geta

Joseph Quinn delivered a remarkable performance as the young and beleaguered Emperor Geta in Ridley Scott's epic historical drama "Gladiator II." His portrayal captured the complexity of a ruler caught between the shadows of his father's legacy and the treacherous political landscape of ancient Rome. Quinn's Geta was a study in contradictions—at once vulnerable and imperious, intellectual and naive. His interactions with the seasoned cast, including returning characters and new adversaries, showcased a depth of emotion and a fierce determination to assert his own rule amidst the chaos, embodying the struggle for power and survival that defined the era. Quinn's performance was physically and emotionally demanding, requiring him to convey the internal conflict of a man torn between duty and desire, as well as the external battles that tested his resolve. His scenes were highlighted by a nuanced depiction of fear and courage, as Geta navigated the treacherous political intrigue that threatened his reign. The authenticity of his portrayal lent a human touch to the grandeur of the film, ensuring that Geta's all-too-brief tenure as emperor would resonate with audiences and stand as a memorable chapter in the "Gladiator" saga. With his compelling presence, Joseph Quinn's Emperor Geta emerged as a character to remember, infusing "Gladiator II" with a poignant blend of tragedy and heroism.

Djimon Hounsou

as Juba

Djimon Hounsou delivered a powerful performance as Juba in "Gladiator," a role that showcased his exceptional ability to convey depth and complexity with quiet intensity. As Juba, Hounsou portrayed a Numidian warrior who becomes a trusted ally and friend to the film's protagonist, Maximus, played by Russell Crowe. Despite being a man of few words, Hounsou's Juba commands attention with his stoic presence and expressive eyes, which speak volumes about his character's internal struggle, loyalty, and honor. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as he brings to life a character that is both a formidable warrior and a noble spirit, ultimately becoming the emotional cornerstone of the film. Hounsou's portrayal of Juba resonates with audiences, providing a poignant counterbalance to the film's grandeur and violence, and his scenes with Crowe are filled with a camaraderie that is both rare and genuine in the epic landscape of "Gladiator."

Fred Hechinger

as Emperor Caracalla

Fred Hechinger's portrayal of the young and ruthless Emperor Caracalla in "Gladiator II" is a captivating embodiment of historical complexity and youthful arrogance. He brings a chilling intensity to the role, expertly capturing the unpredictable and bloodthirsty nature of the historical figure, while also infusing him with a vulnerability that hints at the insecurities of a ruler who rose to power at a tender age. Hechinger's performance is a standout, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of ancient Rome, balancing the character's strategic acumen with his penchant for cruelty. Audiences are left both repulsed and intrigued by his nuanced depiction, as he commands the screen with a presence that belies his character's relative youth, making Caracalla a formidable adversary in the epic narrative of the film.