View source for Gladiator II

{{Short description|2024 film by Ridley Scott}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2024}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=November 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| image          = Gladiator II (2024) poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Ridley Scott]]
| screenplay     = [[David Scarpa]]
| story          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Peter Craig]]
* David Scarpa
}}
| based_on       = {{based_on|Characters|[[David Franzoni]]}}
| producer       = {{Plainlist|
* Ridley Scott
* Michael Pruss
* [[Douglas Wick]]
* [[Lucy Fisher]]
* David Franzoni
}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|<!--per billing block https://www.gladiator.movie/synopsis/-->
* [[Paul Mescal]]
* [[Pedro Pascal]]
* [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]]
* [[Fred Hechinger]]
* [[Lior Raz]]
* [[Derek Jacobi]]
* [[Denzel Washington]]
* [[Connie Nielsen]]
}}
| cinematography = [[John Mathieson (cinematographer)|John Mathieson]]
| editing        = {{Plainlist|
* [[Claire Simpson]]
* Sam Restivo
}}
| music          = [[Harry Gregson-Williams]]
| studio         = {{plainlist|
* [[Scott Free Productions]]
* [[Douglas Wick#Red Wagon Entertainment|Lucy Fisher/Douglas Wick Productions]] 
}}
| distributor    = [[Paramount Pictures]]
| released       = {{Film date|2024|10|30|Sydney|2024|11|15|United Kingdom|2024|11|22|United States}}
| runtime        = 148 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 9, 2024|title=''Gladiator II'' (15)|url= https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/gladiator-ii-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiynjg5|access-date=November 17, 2024|website=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]}}</ref>
| country        = {{plainlist|
* United Kingdom
* United States
}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $310 million<ref name="THR-Budget" /> {{-}} $210 million (net cost)<ref name="opening" /><ref name="DeadlineBudget" />
| gross          = {{USD|435.2 million|long=no}}<ref name="BOM">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt9218128/|title=Gladiator II (2024)|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]] |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=November 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122172449/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt9218128/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NUM">{{cite web |title=Gladiator II (2024) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Gladiator-II-(2024)#tab=box-office |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=November 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115021721/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Gladiator-II-(2024)#tab=box-office |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

'''''Gladiator II''''' is a 2024 [[historical drama|historical]] [[epic film]] directed and produced by [[Ridley Scott]] that serves as a sequel to [[Gladiator (2000 film)|''Gladiator'']] (2000). Written by [[David Scarpa]] based on a story he wrote with [[Peter Craig]], the film was produced by [[Scott Free Productions]] and distributed by [[Paramount Pictures]]. It stars <!--per billing block https://www.gladiator.movie/synopsis/-->[[Paul Mescal]], [[Pedro Pascal]], [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]], [[Fred Hechinger]], [[Lior Raz]], [[Derek Jacobi]], [[Connie Nielsen]], and [[Denzel Washington]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gladiator.movie/synopsis/ |title=Prepare to be entertained |website=Gladiator Movie |access-date=November 6, 2024}}</ref> Jacobi and Nielsen reprise their roles from the first film, with Mescal replacing [[Spencer Treat Clark]]. Mescal portrays Lucius Verus Aurelius, the exiled Prince of [[Rome]], who becomes a prisoner of war and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave who plots to overthrow the twin emperors [[Geta (emperor)|Geta]] and [[Caracalla]]. 

A sequel to ''Gladiator'' was discussed as early as June 2001, with [[David Franzoni]] and [[John Logan (writer)|John Logan]] set to return as screenwriters. Development was halted when [[DreamWorks Pictures]] was sold to Paramount in 2006. The film was finally announced in 2018, and Mescal was cast in the lead role in January 2023, with a script by Scarpa. Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, with a five-month delay due to the [[2023 Hollywood labor disputes]].

''Gladiator II'' premiered in [[Sydney, Australia]], on October 30, 2024. It was released in the United Kingdom on November 15 and in the United States on November 22. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances, Scott's direction, set design, and action, while criticism was directed at the emotional tone, similarity to its predecessor, and historical inaccuracies. It has grossed {{USD|435.2 million|long=no}} worldwide, below the estimated break-even point of $700 million.<ref name="Scott">{{cite web |date=November 15, 2024 |last=Scott |first=Ryan |title=How Much Gladiator II Needs To Make To Become A Box Office Hit |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1713618/how-much-gladiator-2-needs-make-box-office-hit/ |website=[[SlashFilm]] }}</ref> It was named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the [[National Board of Review]] and received two nominations at the [[82nd Golden Globe Awards]]: [[Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement|Cinematic and Box Office Achievement]] and [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Best Supporting Actor]] for Washington.

==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summary should be between 400 to 700 words. -->
Sixteen years after [[Marcus Aurelius]]'s death,{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]]'' (2000)}} [[Roman Empire|Rome]] is ruled by the corrupt twin emperors [[Geta (emperor)|Geta]] and [[Caracalla]]. In the [[North African]] kingdom of [[Numidia (Roman province)|Numidia]], the refugee Hanno lives with his wife Arishat. The [[Roman army]] led by General Acacius invades and conquers the kingdom, killing Arishat and enslaving Hanno and the other survivors. The slaves are taken to [[Ostia Antica|Ostia]], where the Romans pit them against baboons to advertise them as potential [[gladiator]]s. Hanno savagely kills two baboons, impressing the stable master [[Macrinus]], who promises Hanno an opportunity to kill Acacius if he wins enough fights in Rome.

Acacius returns to Rome as a war hero; Geta and Caracalla arrange gladiatorial games in the [[Colosseum]] to celebrate his victory. Disillusioned with war, Acacius requests a break with his wife [[Lucilla]], the daughter of Aurelius, but the emperors refuse and plot to conquer [[Parthian Empire|Persia]] and [[Kushan Empire|India]]. [[Roman Senate|Senator]] Thraex throws a party for the emperors and arranges a gladiatorial duel as entertainment. After Hanno wins, he recites a verse from [[Virgil]]'s ''[[Aeneid]]'', revealing his Roman education to the emperors and raising Macrinus's suspicion. Acacius and Lucilla conspire with Thraex and Senator Gracchus to overthrow the emperors and restore the [[Roman Republic]].

Hanno emulates the late legendary gladiator [[Maximus Decimus Meridius|Maximus]] in the Colosseum to win fights. Lucilla realizes that Hanno is her son, Lucius Verus, whom she sent away as a child to protect him from rivals for the throne. Lucilla visits Lucius and tries to reconnect with him, but he angrily rebuffs her. He resents being forced to flee Rome and is upset that her new husband caused Arishat's death. Lucilla reveals to Lucius that he is Maximus's son and tells him to use his father's strength to survive. During a ''[[naumachia]]'' in the Colosseum, Lucius leads the gladiators to victory and fires a crossbow at the spectating Acacius but fails to kill him. 

Ravi, the gladiators' physician, befriends Lucius and shows him the shrine to Maximus, which includes Maximus's sword and armor. Lucilla and Acacius conspire to free Lucius as part of their plot to dethrone the emperors. However, Thraex, who owes Macrinus money, informs him of the conspiracy; Lucilla and Acacius are arrested for [[treason]]. Macrinus advises the emperors to have Acacius killed in the Colosseum and arranges for Lucius to fight him. After a brief fight, Acacius surrenders to Lucius and professes his love and respect for Lucilla and Maximus. Lucius refuses to execute Acacius but the [[Praetorian Guard]] execute him at the emperors' command, prompting the people to riot. When Macrinus questions Lucius's refusal to kill Acacius, Lucius argues that Rome can be a better place. 

Macrinus manipulates Caracalla into believing that Geta will blame him for the riot; Caracalla kills Geta with Macrinus's help. Lucilla and Lucius reconcile; she gives him her father's ring, which also belonged to Maximus and Acacius. Increasingly delusional, Caracalla names his pet monkey as a [[Roman consul|consul]] alongside Macrinus. Macrinus persuades the Senate that he can restore order and assumes control of the Praetorians. He reveals to Lucilla that he was a slave under Aurelius's rule and vows to avenge himself by becoming emperor. Macrinus convinces Caracalla to have Lucilla executed in the Colosseum, with only Lucius to defend her, hoping their deaths will trigger another riot that the Senate will defuse by executing Caracalla. 

Lucius sends Ravi with the ring to request military aid from Acacius's legions outside Rome. Lucilla is brought into the Colosseum with the senators whom she conspired with, while Lucius rallies the gladiators to revolt against their enslavers. Armed with Maximus's sword and armor, he leads the gladiators to defend Lucilla from execution. Gracchus is killed in the onslaught, while Macrinus kills Caracalla before fatally shooting Lucilla with an arrow. Macrinus flees the rioting city with Lucius in pursuit. 

Acacius's legions and Macrinus's Praetorians meet outside Rome. To stop a battle, Lucius and Macrinus duel. Although Macrinus nearly kills Lucius, Lucius kills Macrinus and reveals his identity as the imperial heir, convincing both armies to build a united Rome with him. Later, Lucius mourns his parents in the Colosseum.

== Cast ==
<!--per end credits scroll-->
* [[Paul Mescal]] as Lucius Verus Aurelius<!-- do not wikilink, it's just the character's name, it doesn't refer to the historical figure. --> / "Hanno": The grandson of the former emperor [[Marcus Aurelius]] and son of [[Maximus Decimus Meridius]], the protagonist of [[Gladiator (2000 film)|the first film]].<ref name="EW September 2024">{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/gladiator-2-trailer-reveals-lucius-son-russell-crowe-maximus-8715524 |title=Gladiator II trailer reveals that Lucius is the son of Russell Crowe's Maximus after all |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923135241/https://ew.com/gladiator-2-trailer-reveals-lucius-son-russell-crowe-maximus-8715524 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his father's death, Lucius was sent away from [[Roman Empire|Rome]] as a child by his mother, Lucilla, to protect him from assassins. They have not met in around 15 years.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last= |first= |user=RottenTomatoes |number=1728873894000341300 |title=Ridley Scott gives us an inside scoop on Paul Mescal's role as Lucius in #Gladiator2. |via=Twitter |date=November 26, 2023 |archive-url= |archive-date= |url-status= }}</ref> Lucius lives with his wife in [[Numidia (Roman province)|Numidia]] but is taken prisoner by the Roman army after they invade his home and kill his wife. He is sold into slavery to become a gladiator in the [[Colosseum]]. He seeks revenge against the Romans and their general, Acacius. Alfie Tempest portrays a young Lucius, with [[Spencer Treat Clark]]'s likeness from the original film superimposed over his own.
* [[Pedro Pascal]] as General Acacius: A general of the [[Roman army]] who trained under Maximus, and Lucilla's husband. Although he lives a luxurious lifestyle in Rome, he spends most of his time away on military campaigns for the emperors. He leads an army to take over Numidia and invades Lucius's home, but is disillusioned by war and does not want to send more men to die for the emperors.<ref name="Forbes Trailer">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/07/09/the-first-gladiator-2-trailer-is-epic-and-absolutely-stunning/ |title=The First 'Gladiator 2' Trailer Is Epic And Absolutely Stunning |website=Forbes |date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728115309/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/07/09/the-first-gladiator-2-trailer-is-epic-and-absolutely-stunning/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Acacius conspires with Lucilla to overthrow the emperors but is arrested and reduced to fighting as a gladiator in the Colosseum. According to Pascal, he is "a very, very good general, which can mean a very good killer", serving as a symbol to Lucius of everything he hates.<ref name="VANFAIR">{{Cite web |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/paul-mescal-pedro-pascal-gladiator-ii-first-look |title=Paul Mescal vs. Pedro Pascal: A First Look at the Epic Gladiator II |access-date=July 8, 2024 |date=July 1, 2024 |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707112244/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/paul-mescal-pedro-pascal-gladiator-ii-first-look |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Connie Nielsen]] as [[Lucilla]]: Lucius's mother, Maximus's former lover, and Aurelius's daughter. She sent Lucius away from Rome after Maximus's death to protect him from rivals for the imperial throne. Following Maximus's death, she marries Acacius. She watches Lucius fight in the Colosseum but initially does not recognize him as her son.<ref name="VANFAIR" /> Due to her popularity among the people of Rome, she is feared and exploited by those in power, such as the emperors.<ref name="EWNielsen">{{Cite magazine |last=Huff |first=Lauren |date=23 September 2024 |title=Connie Nielsen breaks down her emotional return to the Colosseum in 'insane' ''Gladiator II'' |url=https://ew.com/connie-nielsen-gladiator-ii-exclusive-8714923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924013007/https://ew.com/connie-nielsen-gladiator-ii-exclusive-8714923 |archive-date=24 September 2024 |access-date=25 September 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Nielsen reprises her role from the original film.<ref name="VANFAIR" />
* [[Denzel Washington]] as Macrinus (loosely inspired by the historical figure [[Macrinus|Marcus Opellius Macrinus]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nerdveda.com/who-is-macrinus-gladiator-2/ |title=Who is Macrinus in Gladiator 2? His Real Name Revealed &#124; NerdVeda |date=November 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/denzel-washington-gladiator-real-roman-emperor-expert-exclusive-8749061 |title=Is Denzel Washington's 'Gladiator II' Villain Based on a Real Roman Emperor? An Expert Weighs in (Exclusive) |access-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125050904/https://people.com/denzel-washington-gladiator-real-roman-emperor-expert-exclusive-8749061 | url-status=live}}</ref>): A former slave who plans to control Rome.<ref name="Forbes Trailer" /> He keeps a stable of gladiators and mentors Lucius. He also works as an arms dealer, providing weapons, food, and oil to the Roman armies in Europe. Director [[Ridley Scott]] described him as "pretty fucking cruel" to the arena fighters,<ref name="VANFAIR" /> with Washington adding that he "wants to be Emperor and he's willing to do anything to get there".<ref name="WashingstonsReasonsToDoTheProject">{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Ben |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/denzel-washington-gladiator-2-working-with-tony-and-ridley-scott/ |title=Denzel Washington On Working With Tony And Ridley Scott: 'Both Are Great – They Can't Miss' |access-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 23, 2024 |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823121249/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/denzel-washington-gladiator-2-working-with-tony-and-ridley-scott/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Scott also noted that Macrinus has a "twinkle" of [[bisexuality]], describing him as a gangster who started as a [[prisoner of war]], became a gladiator, and earned his freedom.<ref name="TNYT Scott">{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Kyle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/movies/ridley-scott-gladiator-ii-denzel-washington.html |title=With 'Gladiator II,' Ridley Scott Returns to the Arena |access-date=November 8, 2024 |date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108140113/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/movies/ridley-scott-gladiator-ii-denzel-washington.html |archive-date=November 8, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]] as [[Emperor Geta]]: The co-emperor of Rome alongside his biological older brother, Caracalla. Despite Scott described the pair as "damaged goods from birth" who are "almost a replay of [[Romulus and Remus]]",<ref name="VANFAIR" /> Geta was somewhat saner and more logical of two, and also more mature and calmer than his older brother. Other inspirations being [[Beavis]] and [[Butt-Head]] from the [[MTV]] adult cartoon [[Beavis and Butt-Head|of the same name]].<ref name="B&B">{{Cite web |last=Bentz |first=Adam |url=https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-movie-emperors-inspiration-explained/ |title=Gladiator 2's Twin Emperors Were Inspired By Beavis & Butt-Head |access-date=November 2, 2024 |date=November 1, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |archive-date= |archive-url= }}</ref>Careful not to copy [[Joaquin Phoenix]]'s performance as [[Commodus]] from the original film, Quinn took inspiration from [[Philip Seymour Hoffman]]'s Owen Davian from ''[[Mission: Impossible III]]'' (2006) and [[Gary Oldman]]'s Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg from ''[[The Fifth Element]]'' (1997) for playing his character.<ref name="Hoffman&Oldman">{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Benn |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-joseph-quinn-inspired-gary-oldman-philip-seymour-hoffman-roles/ |title=Joseph Quinn In Gladiator II Was Inspired By Gary Oldman And Philip Seymour Hoffman's Wildest Roles |access-date=September 1, 2024 |date=August 23, 2024 |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827130918/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-joseph-quinn-inspired-gary-oldman-philip-seymour-hoffman-roles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One inspiration for Geta's look was [[John Lydon]].<ref name="B&B" />
* [[Fred Hechinger]] as [[Emperor Caracalla]]: The co-emperor of Rome alongside his biological younger brother, Geta. He has a pet monkey and is less stable than his younger brother due to [[Intellectual disability|cognitive erosion in his brain]].<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine |url= https://ew.com/gladiator-2-inside-epic-sequel-paul-mescal-pedro-pascal-cover-story-8731721 |title=Now entering the arena: Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal unsheathe Gladiator II |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 22, 2024 |access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref> Hechinger discussed with Scott about finding inspirations to build Caracalla's look from [[Sid Vicious]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Fay |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/action-movies/gladiator-2-emperor-wild-inspiration-sid-vicious-caracalla-exclusive/ |title=Gladiator 2's emperor actor teases the "wild" sequel and how his character is surprisingly inspired by punk star Sid Vicious |access-date=August 23, 2024 |date=July 19, 2024 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720211558/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/action-movies/gladiator-2-emperor-wild-inspiration-sid-vicious-caracalla-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with Caracalla's pet monkey serving as another inspiration for the character's "crazed behavior".<ref name="EW"/>
* [[Lior Raz]] as Viggo: The trainer of gladiators for Macrinus. A former gladiator, Viggo is a "tough guy" who escorts the gladiators to their fights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D5WU5_cGQls |title=Gladiator II - itw Lior Raz (Official video) |website=YouTube |date=October 27, 2024 |access-date= November 6, 2024}}</ref> 
* [[Derek Jacobi]] as Senator Gracchus: A member of the [[Roman Senate]] who opposes the growing corruption of the Imperial Court. Jacobi reprises his role from the original film.<ref name="EWNielsen" />
* [[Peter Mensah]] as [[Jugurtha]]: A black [[Numidian]] chieftain who mentored Lucius after the latter was exiled from Rome, with whom he is later enslaved and forced to become a gladiator.<ref name="HollywoodReporterReview"/>
* [[Matt Lucas]] as the Master of Ceremonies: The Colosseum's public address announcer.
* [[Alexander Karim]] as Ravi: A former gladiator from [[History of India|India]] who earned his freedom and then chose to serve as a doctor to wounded combatants.<ref name="HollywoodReporterReview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/gladiator-ii-review-paul-mescal-denzel-washington-ridley-scott-1236057985/|title='Gladiator II' Review: Paul Mescal and a Scene-Stealing Denzel Washington in Ridley Scott's Entertaining but Imitative Sequel|first=David|last=Rooney|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=November 11, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Tim McInnerny]] as Senator Thraex: A gambling-addicted, corrupt member of the [[Roman Senate]] who owes Macrinus a tremendous amount of money.
* [[Richard McCabe]] as Quaestor.
* [[Rory McCann]] as Tegula: The leader of the [[Praetorian Guard]].
* Yuval Gonen as Arishat: Lucius's wife, a skilled archer who is killed during the Roman invasion of their home.<ref name="HollywoodReporterReview"/>
* [[Alec Utgoff]] as Darius: Acacius's second-in-command, whom Acacius recruits to mount a coup against the corrupt emperors.
* [[Yann Gael]] as Bostar.

[[Egyptians|Egyptian]]-[[Palestinian]] actress [[May Calamawy]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Perry|first=Kevin|title=''Gladiator 2'' viewers in uproar after learning key character is missing|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/may-calamawy-gladiator-2-scenes-cut-reason-ridley-scott-b2652352.html|work=[[The Independent]]|date=24 November 2024|access-date=November 26, 2024|archive-date=November 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124023747/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/may-calamawy-gladiator-2-scenes-cut-reason-ridley-scott-b2652352.html|url-status=live}}</ref> who was originally set to play an "important character",<ref name=Kroll20230518/> appears in the film in an uncredited non-speaking [[Extra (acting)|background role]] as Macrinus' companion.<ref name="Calamawy">{{Cite web |last=Salih |first=Swara |date=15 November 2024 |title=What happened to Palestinian-Egyptian actress May Calamawy's role in ''Gladiator II''? |url=https://www.newarab.com/features/did-may-calamawys-scenes-get-cut-gladiator-ii |website=[[The New Arab]] |access-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123011427/https://www.newarab.com/features/did-may-calamawys-scenes-get-cut-gladiator-ii |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guardiancalamawy">{{Cite web |last=Mahdawi |first=Arwa |date=16 November 2024 |title=What happened to Palestinian-Egyptian actor May Calamawy's role in ''Gladiator II''? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/16/4b-movement-trump-women-media |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref> Some publications linked her omission to the ongoing [[Israel–Hamas war|war in Gaza]] and her support for Palestine in the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].{{efn|Multiple references:<ref name="Calamawy"/><ref name="guardiancalamawy" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mustafa |first=Maysa |date=November 15, 2024 |title=''Gladiator'' filmmakers accused of being anti-Palestinian for cutting May Calamawy scenes |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/gladiator-filmmakers-accused-being-anti-palestinian-cutting-may-calamawy |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Middle East Eye]] |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126042216/https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/gladiator-filmmakers-accused-being-anti-palestinian-cutting-may-calamawy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kodmani |first=Hala |date=November 24, 2024 |title=''Gladiator 2'': polémique autour des scènes coupées de l'actrice d'origine palestinienne May Calamawy |trans-title=''Gladiator 2'': Controversy over deleted scenes of Palestinian actress May Calamawy |language=fr |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/moyen-orient/gladiator-2-polemique-autour-des-scenes-coupees-de-lactrice-dorigine-palestinienne-may-calamawy-20241124_T2JS7D7PNNDHHOTRYBQX5FDGPA/ |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Libération]]|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jansen |first=Michael |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Racism in Hollywood |url=https://www.gulftoday.ae/opinion/2024/11/21/racism-in-hollywood |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Gulf Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jimoh|first=Abdullahi|title=''Gladiator II'' Criticised for Cutting Palestinian-Egyptian Actress May Calamawy's Role |url=https://newscentral.africa/gladiator-ii-criticised-for-cutting-palestinian-egyptian-actress-may-calamawys-role/ |publisher=[[News Central TV (Nigeria)|News Central TV]] |date=November 19, 2024|access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hood |first=Cooper |date=November 19, 2024 |title=So, What Happened To May Calamawy's Role In ''Gladiator 2''? |url=https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-may-calamawy-role-cut-what-happened/ |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122025618/https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-may-calamawy-role-cut-what-happened/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2024 |title=May Calamawy's Scenes in ''Gladiator II'' Get Cut |url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/136244/May-Calamawy%E2%80%99s-Scenes-in-Gladiator-II-Get-Cut |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Egypt Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pedro Pascal supports May Calamawy after her scenes are cut from ''Gladiator II'' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2511257/pedro-pascal-supports-may-calamawy-after-her-scenes-are-cut-from-gladiator-ii |work=[[The Express Tribune]] |date=November 22, 2024|access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2024 |title=''Gladiator 2'' under fire for removing scenes of Palestinian-Egyptian actress, May Calamawy |url=https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/gladiator-2-under-fire-removing-scenes-1593900 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=[[Al Bawaba]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Egyptian-Palestinian actress' removal from ''Gladiator II'' sparks controversy |url=https://en.royanews.tv/news/55609 |publisher=[[Roya TV]] |date=17 November 2024|access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref>}}

Although Macrinus states his bisexuality in the film, a scene involving Macrinus kissing another man was [[Deleted scene|deleted]] from the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/denzel-washington-gladiator-ii-cut-gay-kiss-1236176247/|title=Denzel Washington Says 'Gladiator II' Cut Gay Kiss: "I Guess They Weren't Ready For That Yet"|first=Armando|last=Tinoco|date=November 14, 2024}}</ref> However, this was later disputed by Scott.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2024/film/columns/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-responds-denzel-washington-cut-gay-kiss-1236213011/ |title=Ridley Scott Says Denzel Washington's 'Gladiator II' Same-Sex Kiss 'Didn't Happen': 'They Acted the Moment' |website=Variety |date=November 18, 2024 |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Production ==
===Development===
In June 2001, developments for a ''[[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]]'' (2000) follow-up began for either a [[prequel]] or [[sequel]], with [[David Franzoni]] in early negotiations to once again serve as screenwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/300/300625p1.html|work=IGN|title=IGN FilmForce Exclusive: David Franzoni in Negotiations for Another Gladiator!|author=Stax|date=June 16, 2001|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226104104/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/300/300625p1.html|archive-date=February 26, 2012}}</ref> [[Ridley Scott]]'s logic to make a sequel was that, even though Maximus Decimus Meridius died at the end of the original film, what happened to [[Lucius Verus]] was left ambiguous, considering the questions about his whereabouts perfect for a second film.<ref name="TNYT Scott" /> The following year, a sequel was announced to be moving forward with [[John Logan (writer)|John Logan]] serving as screenwriter. The plot, set 15 years later, included the [[Praetorian Guard]]s ruling [[Rome]], and an older Lucius—the son of [[Lucilla]] in ''Gladiator''—searching for the truth about his biological father. Franzoni signed on as producer, alongside [[Douglas Wick]] and [[Walter Parkes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/372/372042p1.html|work=IGN|title=A Hero Will Rise ... Again|last=Linder|first=Brian|date=September 24, 2002|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226104151/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/372/372042p1.html|archive-date=February 26, 2012}}</ref> In December 2002, the film's plot was announced to include prequel events regarding the parentage of Lucius, as well as sequel events depicting the resurrection of Maximus, the main character of the original film. The producers and [[Russell Crowe]], who portrayed Maximus, collaboratively and extensively researched ancient Roman beliefs regarding the [[afterlife]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/380/380501p1.html|work=IGN|title=A Hero Will Rise – From the Dead!|author=Stax|date=December 17, 2002|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226105315/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/380/380501p1.html|archive-date=February 26, 2012}}</ref> Although Crowe and Scott had discussed how to bring the former back by having his character resurrect, Scott concluded that Crowe would have to return either as Maximus' double or play another character.<ref name="TNYT Scott" /> By September 2003, Scott announced that the script was completed, while confirming that the story would primarily center on Lucius.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/437/437722p1.html|work=IGN|title=Ridley Talks ''Gladiator 2''|author=Stax|date=September 11, 2003|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226105450/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/437/437722p1.html|archive-date=February 26, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:NASA Journey to Mars and “The Martian” (201508180030HQ).jpg|upright|thumb|Ridley Scott returned to direct ''Gladiator II'' two decades after the original.]]
In May 2006, Scott stated that [[DreamWorks Pictures]] had wanted to make the sequel, but there were differing ideas for the story. Crowe had favoured a fantasy element in bringing Maximus back to life, while the studio were basing the film on Lucius as the son of Maximus and Lucilla. Scott also discussed the necessity of a more complex script with the corruption of Rome in the potential sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1646784/ridley_lays_quotgladiator_2quot_to_rest/|work=Rotten Tomatoes|title=Ridley Lays "Gladiator 2" to Rest|last=Weinberg|first=Scott|date=May 8, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820200250/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1646784/ridley_lays_quotgladiator_2quot_to_rest/|archive-date=2012-08-20}}</ref> During this time, [[Nick Cave]] was commissioned to write a new draft of the script. It was later revealed to be written under the working title of "''Christ Killer''". Cave described the plot as a "deities vs. deity vs. humanity" story. The story involved Maximus in [[purgatory]], who is resurrected as an immortal warrior for the [[List of Roman deities|Roman gods]]. Maximus is sent back to [[Earth]] and tasked with ending [[Christianity]] by killing [[Jesus]] and his [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]], as Christianity was draining the power of the ancient [[Paganism|Pagan]] gods. During his mission, Maximus is tricked into murdering his own son. Cursed to live forever, Maximus fights in the [[Crusades]], [[World War II]], and the [[Vietnam War]]; with the ending revealing that in the [[Present|present-day]], the character now works at [[the Pentagon]]. The script was rejected and scrapped after [[Steven Spielberg]], who had consulted on the original film, told Scott it wasn't going to work, especially as Cave had written something "too grand" due to his theatre work.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/wtf-nick-cave-wanted-to-call-his-gladiator-2-script-christ-killer/|work=Slash Film|title=WTF: Nick Cave Wanted to Call His ''Gladiator 2'' Script ''Christ Killer''|last=Fischer|first=Russ|date=July 12, 2013|language=en-US|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024205020/https://www.slashfilm.com/wtf-nick-cave-wanted-to-call-his-gladiator-2-script-christ-killer/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180810-gladiator-2-was-written-and-its-mad|work=British Broadcasting Company|title=Gladiator 2: The strangest sequel never made?|last=Barber|first=Nicholas|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2023|language=en|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204113603/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180810-gladiator-2-was-written-and-its-mad|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/06/nick-cave-rejected-gladiator-script|work=The Guardian|title=Nick Cave's rejected ''Gladiator 2'' script uncovered!|last=Michaels|first=Sean|date=May 6, 2009|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928001620/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/06/nick-cave-rejected-gladiator-script |archive-date=2013-09-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TNYT Scott" />

After experiencing financial difficulties in the 2000s, DreamWorks Pictures—including the rights to ''Gladiator'' and the rest of the pre-2006 live-action film library—was sold to [[Paramount Pictures]] in 2006 and development on the sequel was halted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paramount To Buy Dreamworks |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/paramount-to-buy-dreamworks/ |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=December 11, 2005 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716020514/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/paramount-to-buy-dreamworks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the years, other attempts on a sequel script were made, but Scott felt that many writers "were afraid to take it on".<ref name="EW"/> He also said that he and everyone involved in the original film were busy so no one thought about making a sequel, but as time passed, he noticed how well ''Gladiator'' aged to the point of seemingly having "taken a life of its own" that it made him feel that he owed the audience a continuation to that story.<ref name="EW"/> Scott became determined to not let go of the project, deciding to do it for both creative and financial reasons if a good idea came up.<ref name="TNYT Scott" /> In March 2017, Scott revealed that the difficulties of reintroducing Maximus had been resolved. The filmmaker expressed enthusiasm for the future of the project, while discussions with Crowe to reprise his role were ongoing.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/10/ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel/?preview_id=5594789|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=Ridley Scott on ''Gladiator'' sequel: 'I know how to bring him back'|last=Hibberd |first=James|date=March 11, 2017|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314194739/http://ew.com/movies/2017/03/10/ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel/?preview_id=5594789|archive-date=2017-03-14|url-status=live}}</ref> 
[[File:Brian-Robbins 041 HD (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|[[Paramount Pictures]] CEO [[Brian Robbins]] worked with Ridley Scott on ''Gladiator II''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paramount Boss on Gladiator II, Scary Sequels and Wicked Showdown |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-11-17/paramount-boss-on-gladiator-ii-scary-sequels-and-wicked-showdown |work=Bloomberg |date=October 18, 2024 |access-date=November 23, 2024 |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118193017/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-11-17/paramount-boss-on-gladiator-ii-scary-sequels-and-wicked-showdown |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
In November 2018, it was announced that Paramount was [[greenlight]]ing the development of a sequel. Scott was in early negotiations to once again serve as director, with a script written by [[Peter Craig]]. Scott would also serve as producer alongside Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Walter Parkes, and Laurie MacDonald, with the project being a joint-venture production between Paramount, [[Scott Free Productions]], [[Red Wagon Entertainment]], and [[Walter F. Parkes|Parkes+]][[Laurie MacDonald|MacDonald Image Nation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/11/gladiator-sequel-ridley-scott-maximus-peter-craig-writing-paramount-universal-1202494152/|work=Deadline|title=Ridley Scott Moving Forward With ''Gladiator 2''; Peter Craig To Write Script For Paramount|last=Flemming |first=Mike Jr.|date=November 1, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102014746/https://deadline.com/2018/11/gladiator-sequel-ridley-scott-maximus-peter-craig-writing-paramount-universal-1202494152/|archive-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> In June 2019, the producers revealed that the script took place 25 to 30 years after the first film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/gladiator-2-update-writer-peter-craig/|work=MovieWeb|title=''Gladiator 2'' Is Still Happening, ''Top Gun 2'' Writer Takes on Script|last=Sprague|first=Mike|date=June 11, 2019|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612122645/https://movieweb.com/gladiator-2-update-writer-peter-craig/|archive-date=June 12, 2019}}</ref> The plot was reported to center around Lucius.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/latest-news/a24548025/gladiator-2-ridley-scotts-oscar-winner-is-getting-a-sequel/|work=Esquire|title=''Gladiator 2'': Ridley Scott's Oscar Winner Is Getting A Sequel|last=Ovenden |first=Olivia|date=February 11, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230064217/https://www.esquire.com/uk/latest-news/a24548025/gladiator-2-ridley-scotts-oscar-winner-is-getting-a-sequel/ |archive-date=December 30, 2019}}</ref> In April 2021, [[Chris Hemsworth]] approached Crowe with a proposal to become involved with the project, with the intention to co-produce the film. While working together on the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) film ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'' (2022), the two actors shared additional ideas for the film.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chris Hemsworth begs Russell Crowe: Let's make ''Gladiator 2''! |url=https://www.newidea.com.au/gladiator-sequel-russell-crowe |work=New Idea |author=New Idea |date=April 6, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106203018/https://www.newidea.com.au/gladiator-sequel-russell-crowe |url-status=live }}</ref>

By September 2021, Scott stated that the script was once again being worked on with his intention being to direct the sequel upon the completion of production on ''[[Napoleon (2023 film)|Napoleon]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butcher |first=Sophie |title=Ridley Scott Says ''Gladiator 2'' Will Be 'Ready To Go' After Napoleon Movie – Exclusive |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/ridley-scott-gladiator-2-ready-to-go-after-napoleon-exclusive/ |date=September 29, 2021 |website=Empire |access-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929173803/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/ridley-scott-gladiator-2-ready-to-go-after-napoleon-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In November, it was revealed that [[David Scarpa]], who worked with Scott on ''Napoleon'', was rewriting the script.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/ridley-scott-house-of-gucci-lady-gaga-adam-driver-the-last-duel-oscar-season-1234872529/|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=November 12, 2021|title=Ridley Scott Won't Let Age Or Pandemic Slow A Storytelling Appetite That Brought ''House of Gucci'' & ''The Last Duel''; Napoleon & More 'Gladiator' Up Next|access-date=March 9, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309170016/https://deadline.com/2021/11/ridley-scott-house-of-gucci-lady-gaga-adam-driver-the-last-duel-oscar-season-1234872529/|url-status=live}}</ref> Scott stated in a 2023 interview that they had struggled for 10 months to write the script four years previously, until they revisited the idea of Lucius as the "survivor" of the original film.<ref name="TT">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ridley-scott-gladiator-2-paul-mescal-normal-people-exclusive/|title=Ridley Scott couldn't stop thinking about Paul Mescal after watching Normal People, so he cast him in Gladiator 2|date=October 6, 2023|first=Jamie|last=Graham|website=[[Total Film]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008015124/https://www.gamesradar.com/ridley-scott-gladiator-2-paul-mescal-normal-people-exclusive/|archive-date=October 8, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=October 8, 2023}}</ref> According to Scott, the premise for the sequel began with the emperors [[Caracalla]] and [[Geta (emperor)|Geta]]. He said, "After [[Commodus]]'s death, there was a scramble for the chair, and out of that eventually came [[Septimius Severus|a man who became the father of the two princes]]... One of them was just this side of being dysfunctional, a lunatic. The other one tried to control his brother. So that state of constant disagreement and fluctuating personalities was where we began."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-sees-our-future-in-the-fallen-roman-empire/ |title=Gladiator 2: Ridley Scott Sees Our Future in the Fallen Roman Empire |publisher=Den of Geek |date=October 17, 2024 |access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref>

Originally greenlit with a production budget of {{USD|165 million|long=no}}, the cost of the film increased to a reported {{USD|310 million|long=no}} by the time filming wrapped, though Paramount insisted the net cost did not exceed {{USD|250 million|long=no}}.<ref name=THR-Budget>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel-production-budget-1235830460/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223182445/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel-production-budget-1235830460/ |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |title=Rambling Roundup: Ridley Scott's Very Expensive Roman Holiday |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first1=Samuel |last1=Braslow |first2=Kevin |last2=Dolak |first3=Julian |last3=Sancton |date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023}}</ref> Additionally, Ridley Scott's desire to have a rhino battle in the original film, which went unrealized due to cost, was included in the sequel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ridley-scott-has-wanted-that-rhino-battle-from-the-gladiator-2-trailer-for-25-years|last=Cripe|first=Michael|date=July 9, 2024|title=Ridley Scott Has Wanted That Rhino Battle From the Gladiator 2 Trailer for 25 Years|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=[[IGN]]|archive-date=August 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011507/https://www.ign.com/articles/ridley-scott-has-wanted-that-rhino-battle-from-the-gladiator-2-trailer-for-25-years|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-movie-regret-doug-wick-rhino-russell-crowe/|last=Cavanaugh|first=Patrick|date=June 11, 2020|title=Gladiator Producer Reveals His Biggest Regret About the Film|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=Comicbook.com|archive-date=August 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011507/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-movie-regret-doug-wick-rhino-russell-crowe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/how-a-painting-wooed-ridley-scott-directing-gladiator-1299100/ |last=Davids|first=Brian|date=June 18, 2020|title=How a Painting Wooed Ridley Scott into Directing 'Gladiator'|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=[[Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-date=August 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011507/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/how-a-painting-wooed-ridley-scott-directing-gladiator-1299100/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czk0d90p84mo|last=Bushby|first=Helen|date=July 9, 2024|title=Gladiator II: Paul Mescal battles a rhino in upcoming film|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=[[BBC]]|archive-date=August 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011507/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czk0d90p84mo|url-status=live}}</ref> November 14, ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' reported the film's net budget to be {{USD|210 million|long=no}}<ref name="DeadlineBudget">{{cite web |author1=Mike Fleming Jr |title='Gladiator II': Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal & Connie Nielsen Reveal How All Roads Led To Ancient Rome |url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/gladiator-ii-feature-ridley-scott-pedro-pascal-paul-mescal-denzel-washington-connie-nielsen-1236172358/ |website=Deadline |date=14 November 2024 |quote=costing about $210 million net budget |access-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114215005/https://deadline.com/2024/11/gladiator-ii-feature-ridley-scott-pedro-pascal-paul-mescal-denzel-washington-connie-nielsen-1236172358/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and November 24 stated the budget was {{USD|250 million|long=no}}.<ref name="opening" /> The production received €46.7 million in film incentive rebates from Malta, setting a record for the largest rebate issued for a film production in the European Union.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zammit |first1=Mark Laurence |title=''Gladiator'' film to be given €47 million in taxpayers' money |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/gladiator-film-given-46-million-taxpayers-money.1050361 |work=[[Times of Malta]] |publisher=Allied Newspapers Limited |date=August 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822155542/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/gladiator-film-given-46-million-taxpayers-money.1050361 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |language=en-gb |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Pre-production===
{{Multiple image
| align             = right
| perrow            = 2/2/3
| image1            = Paul Mescal 44.MVFF.jpg
| alt1              = Irish actor Paul Mescal at the screening of The Lost Daughter at the 44th Mill Valley Film Festival on 16th October 2021.
| image2            = Pedro Pascal by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| alt2              = Pedro Pascal speaking at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.
| image3            = Denzel Washington 2018.jpg
| alt3              = Denzel Washington in 2018
| image4            = Connie Nielsen by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| alt4              = Connie Nielsen speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.
| image5            = Sir Derek Jacobi.jpg
| alt5              = Sir Derek Jacobi - BFI Southbank - Sunday 13th November 2022
| image6            = Joseph Quinn (53673388589) cropped.jpg
| alt6              = Joseph Quinn on the red carpet at the Big Screen Achievement Awards at the 2024 CinemaCon at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
| image7            = Sundance Film Festival 2024 - Fred Hechinger-104A1882 (cropped).jpg
| alt7              = Fred Hechinger at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024
| footer            = (''Clockwise from top left'') ''Gladiator II'' stars [[Paul Mescal]], [[Pedro Pascal]], [[Connie Nielsen]],  [[Fred Hechinger]], [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]], [[Derek Jacobi]] and [[Denzel Washington]]
| width1            = 300
| width2            = 300
| width3            = 300
| width4            = 300
| width5            = 300
| width6            = 300
| width7.           = 300
| total_width       = 290
}}
In January 2023, [[Paul Mescal]] was cast in the film as the adult Lucius (originally portrayed by [[Spencer Treat Clark]]), while it was also reported that [[Arthur Max]] and [[Janty Yates]], the production designer and costume designer of the original film, respectively, would also be returning to work on the sequel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 6, 2023|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Paul Mescal To Star In Ridley Scott's ''Gladiator'' Sequel For Paramount|url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/gladiator-2-star-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-paramount-1235212512/|access-date=March 4, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106192944/https://deadline.com/2023/01/gladiator-2-star-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-paramount-1235212512/|url-status=live}}</ref> Scott was unaware of Mescal's fame until he watched his performance in the [[BBC Three]]/[[Hulu]] miniseries ''[[Normal People (miniseries)|Normal People]]'', which he came across in his need for a "[[bedtime story]]". Shortly after, the story for ''Gladiator II'' was completed, and Scott ultimately cast Mescal in the lead role after a brief [[Zoom (software)|Zoom]] call.<ref name="TT" /><ref name="VANFAIR" /><ref name="EW"/> [[Austin Butler]], [[Richard Madden]] and [[Miles Teller]] had also been considered for the lead role.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Kroll |first=Justin |user=krolljvar |number=1611471749098663937 |title=Butler didn't end up meeting as he was looking for a break after shooting MASTERS OF AIR, DUNE 2 and BIKERIDERS back-to-back-to-back. Came down to Paul, Miles and Tim and besides having great meeting with Paul, Ridley was looking for actor who wasn't quite a star yet for role |via=Twitter |date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310040902/https://twitter.com/krolljvar/status/1611471749098663937 |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mescal was chosen after [[List of Paramount Pictures executives#President, Motion Picture Group|Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland]] had seen his performance in the [[West End theatre|West End]] revival of ''[[A Streetcar Named Desire]]'', claiming that the "ladies in the audience [had been] very vocal" when he had taken his shirt off.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/features/brian-robbins-paramount-pictures-tmnt-mutant-mayhem-tom-cruise-1235679142/ |title=After a Decade in Limbo, Brian Robbins Is Giving Paramount a Makeover With 'Ninja Turtles,' Tom Cruise and 'Gladiator 2' |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Brian |last=Lang |date=July 26, 2023 |access-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727235736/https://variety.com/2023/film/features/brian-robbins-paramount-pictures-tmnt-mutant-mayhem-tom-cruise |url-status=live }}</ref> Having seen the original film when he was 13 with his father, Mescal was invited for breakfast by [[Lucy Fisher]] and [[Douglas Wick]], who informed him about the sequel's casting, proceeding to tell Scott about his physical capabilities due to playing [[Gaelic football]] in his youth while Scott found a striking resemblance to [[Richard Harris]], who played [[Marcus Aurelius]] in the original film, so he opted to cast Mescal despite his newcomer status under the pretext he launched careers likewise for [[Sigourney Weaver]] and [[Brad Pitt]] when he cast them in his films ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979) and ''[[Thelma & Louise]]'' (1991) respectively. To prepare for the role, Mescal didn't get in touch with Crowe to avoid audiences potentially thinking the film will define his career, trained physically, ate [[sweet potato]] and [[ground beef]] to put on 18 [[Pound (mass)|pounds]] of muscle and remembered Roman history he studied at school,<ref name="GQ October 2024">{{cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/story/paul-mescal-enters-the-arena-in-gladiator-ii |title=Paul Mescal Enters the Arena in ''Gladiator II'' |date=October 15, 2024 |access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref> in addition to practice fighting choreography, horse training and sword fighting.<ref name="EW"/>

In March 2023, [[Barry Keoghan]] entered negotiations to join the cast in the role of Emperor [[Caracalla]] while [[Denzel Washington]] joined the cast.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Barry Keoghan In Talks To Join ''Gladiator'' Sequel At Paramount |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/barry-keoghan-gladiator-sequel-paramount-1235302286/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=16 March 2023 |date=March 16, 2023 |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316204107/https://deadline.com/2023/03/barry-keoghan-gladiator-sequel-paramount-1235302286/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Denzel Washington Reuniting With Ridley Scott On 'Gladiator' Sequel At Paramount |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/denzel-washington-gladiator-sequel-cast-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-1235302321/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=17 March 2023 |date=March 17, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628112049/https://deadline.com/2023/03/denzel-washington-gladiator-sequel-cast-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-1235302321/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Regarding Scott and his brother [[Tony Scott|Tony]] as "great filmmakers" who never miss, Washington accepted the role out of interest to work with the inspirational Scott brothers again after their previous collaboration in ''[[American Gangster (film)|American Gangster]]'' (2007).<ref name="WashingstonsReasonsToDoTheProject" /> Additionally, [[John Mathieson (cinematographer)|John Mathieson]] was set to return as cinematographer for the film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Angelique |title=Denzel Washington in Talks to Join Ridley Scott's ''Gladiator'' Sequel |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/denzel-washington-ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel-1235557698/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=28 April 2023 |date=March 17, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428194138/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/denzel-washington-ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel-1235557698/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Scott didn't conceive [[Macrinus]] with Washington in mind, but felt inspired to cast him after seeing [[Jean-Léon Gérôme]]'s painting ''Moorish Bath'', which depicted a black bearded man with a jeweled [[Dizzy Gillespie]]-like hat in orange and blue silk, inspiring the character's appearance, plus Washington's status as a [[Method acting|method actor]].<ref name="TNYT Scott" /> In April 2023, it was announced that [[Connie Nielsen]] and [[Djimon Hounsou]] would reprise their roles as [[Lucilla]] and Juba respectively, while [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]] was added to the cast as Emperor [[Geta (emperor)|Geta]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Paramount's ''Gladiator'' Sequel's Cast Grows As Connie Nielsen Closes Deal To Return As Lucilla While ''Stranger Things'' Breakout Joseph Quinn Lands Emperor Caracalla Role |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/paramounts-gladiator-sequels-connie-nielsen-closes-lucilla-stranger-things-joseph-quinn-emperor-caracalla-1235340912/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=28 April 2023 |date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509185446/https://deadline.com/2023/04/paramounts-gladiator-sequels-connie-nielsen-closes-lucilla-stranger-things-joseph-quinn-emperor-caracalla-1235340912/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Galuppo |first1=Mia |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |title=''Stranger Things'' Star Joseph Quinn Set for ''Gladiator'' Sequel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-sequel-casts-joseph-quinn-1235321581/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=28 April 2023 |date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509185300/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-sequel-casts-joseph-quinn-1235321581/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2023, [[Pedro Pascal]], [[May Calamawy]], [[Lior Raz]], [[Derek Jacobi]], [[Peter Mensah]] and [[Matt Lucas]] joined the cast of the film, with [[Fred Hechinger]] entering negotiations to play Caracalla after Keoghan had to drop out over scheduling conflicts with ''[[Saltburn (film)|Saltburn]]'' (2023). Jacobi reprises his role as Senator Gracchus from the first film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Pedro Pascal Joins Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' Sequel At Paramount |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/pedro-pascal-ridley-scotts-gladiator-paramount-1235352214/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=1 May 2023 |date=May 1, 2023 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621075529/https://deadline.com/2023/05/pedro-pascal-ridley-scotts-gladiator-paramount-1235352214/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Kroll20230518>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Paramount's ''Gladiator'' Sequel Rounds Out Cast With ''Moon Knight'' Breakout May Calamawy & Others; ''White Lotus'' Actor Fred Hechinger In Talks For Emperor Geta Role |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/paramounts-gladiator-sequel-moon-knight-may-calamawy-white-lotus-fred-hechinger-emperor-geta-1235372228/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=May 18, 2023 |date=May 18, 2023 |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518211050/https://deadline.com/2023/05/paramounts-gladiator-sequel-moon-knight-may-calamawy-white-lotus-fred-hechinger-emperor-geta-1235372228/ |url-status=live |quote=While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed. Given the importance of the character to the story, Scott wanted a thorough search, and following multiple auditions Calamawy landed the part.}}</ref><ref name="TNYT Scott" /> Similarly to Mescal, Pascal underwent intense gladiator training for his role, which he found challenging, but deemed the experience "the most exciting" of his career due to growing up with Scott's films.<ref name="EW"/> In December, Hounsou announced that, despite initially being involved, he would not be returning for the sequel due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Italiano |first1=Eric |title=Djimon Hounsou Says He Is Not Returning For The ''Gladiator'' Sequel (Exclusive) |url=https://brobible.com/culture/article/djimon-hounsou-not-returning-for-gladiator-sequel/ |website=BroBible |access-date=15 December 2023 |date=December 15, 2023 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215190529/https://brobible.com/culture/article/djimon-hounsou-not-returning-for-gladiator-sequel/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Filming===
Production was expected to begin in May 2023, with [[Ouarzazate]], [[Morocco]] set as a filming location.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gladiator movie sequel to be filmed in Morocco's Ouarzazate |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230108-gladiator-movie-sequel-to-be-filmed-in-moroccos-ouarzazate/ |website=[[Middle East Monitor]] |access-date=29 April 2023 |date=January 8, 2023 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108125238/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230108-gladiator-movie-sequel-to-be-filmed-in-moroccos-ouarzazate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Set construction began in the city in April.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zouiten |first1=Sara |title=Construction Begins on Giant Arena for Gladiator 2 in Morocco's Ouarzazate |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/354950/construction-begins-on-giant-arena-for-gladiator-2-in-moroccos-ouarzazate |website=[[Morocco World News]] |access-date=29 April 2023 |date=April 12, 2023 |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413080029/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/354950/construction-begins-on-giant-arena-for-gladiator-2-in-moroccos-ouarzazate |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming began in June 2023 with additional filming locations planned for [[Malta]], which stood-in for ancient Rome, and the [[United Kingdom]] over the following four months,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rajput |first1=Priyanca |title=Ridley Scott's ''Gladiator 2'' enters production |url=https://www.kftv.com/news/2023/06/08/ridley-scotts-gladiator-2-enters-production |website=[[KFTV.com]] |date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609000807/https://www.kftv.com/news/2023/06/08/ridley-scotts-gladiator-2-enters-production |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="QuinnEW">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/joseph-quinn-breakthrough-year-gladiator-2-fantastic-four-game-of-thrones-8631575|title=Inside Joseph Quinn's breakthrough year: ''Gladiator II'', ''Fantastic Four'', and more|date=April 17, 2024|first=Nick|last=Romano|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423131001/https://ew.com/joseph-quinn-breakthrough-year-gladiator-2-fantastic-four-game-of-thrones-8631575|archive-date=April 23, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> with few early sequences being shot at Morocco before flying to Malta to shoot the rest of the film. Mescal felt some nerves over shooting in the assembled [[Colosseum]] and shooting scenes with Washington.<ref name="GQ October 2024" /> Scott purposely took Mescal to the Colosseum set so he could familiarize himself with it, as Mescal hadn't done any big studio movies before.<ref name="TNYT Scott" /> An accident involving fire during filming on June 7 injured six crew members.<ref name="SetAccident">{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Six ''Gladiator 2'' Crewmembers Injured In Stunt Accident On Set |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/gladiator-sequel-stunt-accident-crew-injuries-1235413384/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=9 June 2023 |date=June 9, 2023 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609231959/https://deadline.com/2023/06/gladiator-sequel-stunt-accident-crew-injuries-1235413384/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming was suspended in July due to the [[2023 Hollywood labor disputes]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Umberto |title=Here Are All The Movies Affected by the SAG-AFTRA Strike From ''Deadpool 3'' to ''Mission: Impossible 8'' (Photos) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-movies-affected-deadpool-3-mi8/ |website=[[TheWrap]] |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=July 14, 2023 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714014112/https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-movies-affected-deadpool-3-mi8/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For a fight sequence, a [[rhinoceros]] was created via [[3D printing]] controlled by radio remote, but filming the scene took two or three days and affected Mescal's physicality due to the temperature.<ref name="EW"/> Filming resumed on December 4 in Malta,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |last2=Tangcay |first2=Jazz |title=''Gladiator 2'' Resuming Production in Malta Next Week (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/gladiator-2-resumes-production-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-denzel-washington-1235785863/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=28 November 2023 |date=November 28, 2023 |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128023529/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/gladiator-2-resumes-production-paul-mescal-ridley-scott-denzel-washington-1235785863/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on January 17, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gearan |first1=Hannah |title=Gladiator 2 Completes Filming, New Star Celebrates With BTS Ridley Scott Image |url=https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-movie-filming-update-progress-ridley-scott/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |date=January 17, 2024 |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716020517/https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-movie-filming-update-progress-ridley-scott/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming also took place on the [[South Downs]] at [[Devil's Dyke, Sussex]] in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=Gladiator II filming crews and Paul Mescal spotted in Sussex |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/24379608.paul-mescal-spotted-filming-gladiator-ii-sussex/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=The Argus |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612063536/https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/24379608.paul-mescal-spotted-filming-gladiator-ii-sussex/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Music==
{{Main|Gladiator II (soundtrack)}}
In January 2024, it was reported that [[Harry Gregson-Williams]] was composing the score for the film, taking over from [[Hans Zimmer]] and [[Lisa Gerrard]] who scored the first film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |title=Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' Taps Hans Zimmer Protégé Harry Gregson-Williams as Composer (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-composer-harry-gregson-williams-hans-zimmer-1235862580/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=January 5, 2024 |date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105161558/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-composer-harry-gregson-williams-hans-zimmer-1235862580/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zimmer decided not to return because he did not want to repeat his work from the first film. In an interview with [[Curzon Cinemas|Curzon]], he said that the film was "in really good hands" with Gregson-Williams, who had started his career as Zimmer's assistant.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Warmann |first1=Amon |url=https://www.curzon.com/journal/hans-zimmer-interview/ |title=HANS ZIMMER: 'I HAD TO CHANGE STYLE BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE WAS DOING MINE' |website=[[Curzon Cinemas|Curzon]] |date=6 March 2024 |access-date=15 June 2024 |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615063632/https://www.curzon.com/journal/hans-zimmer-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Gregson-Williams wrote 100 minutes of original score for the film, and used some of Zimmer and Gerrard's musical cues from the first film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/gladiator-ii-composer-harry-gregson-williams-interview-sound-and-screen-1236165215/ |title='Gladiator II' Composer Harry Gregson-Williams Sought Mentor Hans Zimmer's Approval To Tackle Sequel & Borrow Cues From The First Film – Sound & Screen Film |website= Deadline |date=November 2, 2024 |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
''Gladiator II'' was released internationally, including the United Kingdom, on November 15, 2024, and later in the United States and Canada on November 22, by [[Paramount Pictures]]. [[Universal Pictures]] declined to co-finance the sequel or distribute it overseas as it had the first film, leaving only Paramount as the worldwide distributor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/gladiator-2-release-date-change/ |title='Gladiator 2' Just Won the Battle for an Earlier Release Date Internationally |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=June 19, 2024 |access-date=June 21, 2024 |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619235812/https://collider.com/gladiator-2-release-date-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Paramount Goes Epic At CineEurope With 'Gladiator II' Footage; Highlights 'A Quiet Place: Day One' & 'Transformers One' |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/paramount-gladiator-2-a-quiet-place-day-one-transformers-cineeurope-1235977955/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620011308/https://deadline.com/2024/06/paramount-gladiator-2-a-quiet-place-day-one-transformers-cineeurope-1235977955/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Australia, Italy and New Zealand, ''Gladiator II'' was released earlier on November 14,<ref>{{cite web|last=Choy|first=Rachel|url=https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/gladiator-ii-release-date-trailer-plot-cast-paul-mescal/|title=Gladiator II: Everything We Know Including Trailer, Plot, Release Date & Cast|date=July 10, 2024|website=[[Pedestrian.tv]]|publisher=[[Nine Entertainment Co.]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812035321/https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/gladiator-ii-release-date-trailer-plot-cast-paul-mescal/|url-status=live}}</ref> following the film's world premiere in [[Sydney]] on October 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/paul-mescal-stunned-by-detail-at-gladiator-ii-sydney-premiere-absolutely-mad-235858167.html|title=Paul Mescal stunned by detail at Gladiator II Sydney premiere: 'Absolutely mad'|first=Marni|last=Dixit|website=[[Yahoo|Yahoo! Lifestyle]]|date=October 31, 2024|access-date=November 12, 2024}}</ref> It was previously scheduled for a global release on November 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/gladiator-2-release-date-1235249039/ |title='Gladiator 2′ Gets Pre-Thanksgiving 2024 Release |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705122650/https://deadline.com/2023/02/gladiator-2-release-date-1235249039/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 1, 2024, it was announced that the film's release date would be shared with the [[Wicked (2024 film)|first]] of the two-part film adaptation of the musical ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]'' (from original film's co-distributor, Universal), whose date was moved from November 27 to avoid competition with ''[[Moana 2]]''. This sparked speculation on whether pitting the two films together could lead to a scenario similar to the [[Barbenheimer]] phenomenon, which was a result of ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' and ''[[Oppenheimer (film)|Oppenheimer]]'' both being released on July 21, 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |date=2 July 2024 |title=If 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator 2' Is the Next 'Barbenheimer,' It Needs a Better Portmanteau Than 'Wickiator' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/wicked-gladiator-2-same-release-date-barbenheimer-1235051572/ |access-date=5 July 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703101340/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/wicked-gladiator-2-same-release-date-barbenheimer-1235051572/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 10, 2024, Mescal called the double release "Glicked" and voiced his support for the two films to be shown as a [[double feature]], saying "It would be amazing 'cause I think the films couldn't be more polar opposites and it worked in that context previously. So, fingers crossed people come out and see both films on opening weekend".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergeson |first1=Samantha |title=Paul Mescal Anoints the Next 'Barbenheimer' with 'Gladiator 2' and 'Wicked' Opening Same Day: 'Glicked' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/paul-mescal-gladiator-2-wicked-double-feature-glicked-1235024053/ |website=IndieWire |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=10 July 2024 |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716020555/https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/paul-mescal-gladiator-2-wicked-double-feature-glicked-1235024053/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Home media===
''Gladiator II'' was released on [[Digital distribution|digital download]] on December 24, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lammer |first1=Tim |title='Gladiator II' Gets Digital Streaming Premiere Date |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2024/12/14/gladiator-ii-gets-digital-streaming-premiere-date/ |website=[[Forbes]] |access-date=December 14, 2024 |date=December 14, 2024 |archive-date=December 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241215010728/https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2024/12/14/gladiator-ii-gets-digital-streaming-premiere-date/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rating===
Much like the original film, ''Gladiator II'' was given a [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R rating]] by the [[Motion Picture Association]] due to "strong bloody violence".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rigdely |first=Charlie |title=Gladiator II Rating Confirms the Colosseum Will Get Bloody |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-movie-rating-r-ridley-scott-colosseum/ |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=28 August 2024 |date=27 August 2024 |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828132451/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-movie-rating-r-ridley-scott-colosseum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike other past films of his, Scott has stated that ''Gladiator II'' will not receive a [[director's cut]], as he has earned the right to have his final cut and removed some scenes during filming so he did not need to do so after finishing the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Tamera |last2=Weintraub |first2=Steven |url=https://collider.com/ridley-scott-gladiator-2-stanley-kubric-2001-space-odyssey/ |title="It Warns Us What Happens If We Allow AI Into Our Universe": Ridley Scott Explains How '2001 A Space Odyssey' Predetermined The Future |access-date=November 5, 2024 |date=November 3, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |archive-date= |archive-url= |url-status= }}</ref> 

In Australia, two cuts of the film were released; the original, uncut [[Australian Classification Board|MA15+]] version (with the consumer advice "strong [[Thematic elements|themes]] and violence"),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/gladiator-ii-1|title=Gladiator II |date=November 21, 2024 |website=[[Australian Classification Board]] |access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref> and the edited M-rated version ("[[animal cruelty]], blood and gore, injury detail and violence") where blood spray is either trimmed down or removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Reeth |first=Magali |url=https://www.signis.world/news/media/film-reviews/15-11-2024/gladiator-ii-by-ridley-scott/ |title=GLADIATOR II by Ridley Scott |date=November 15, 2024 |website=[[SIGNIS]] |access-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118095202/https://www.signis.world/news/media/film-reviews/15-11-2024/gladiator-ii-by-ridley-scott/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The MA15+ rating was reinstated for the uncut home media release, with a revised consumer advice of "[[Thematic elements|strong animal cruelty]], violence and blood and [[gore]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/gladiator-ii-home-entertainment-version|title=Gladiator II (Home Entertainment Version)|date=November 25, 2024 |website=[[Australian Classification Board]] |access-date=December 10, 2024}}</ref>

===Marketing===
Footage of the film screened at the [[National Association of Theatre Owners#CinemaCon|CinemaCon]] 2024 in [[Las Vegas]] included scenes of Joseph Quinn as Geta dressed in a white toga and laurel-leaf crown dramatically plunging his thumb downward to note the fate of defeated gladiators, with Nielsen in the background.<ref name="QuinnEW" /> In June of that year, Scott showcased an extended clip of the film featuring Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Quinn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/paramount-gladiator-2-a-quiet-place-day-one-transformers-cineeurope-1235977955/ |title=Paramount Goes Epic At CineEurope With 'Gladiator II' Footage; Highlights 'A Quiet Place: Day One' & 'Transformers One' |date=June 19, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=July 8, 2024 |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620011308/https://deadline.com/2024/06/paramount-gladiator-2-a-quiet-place-day-one-transformers-cineeurope-1235977955/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A poster for the film was released on July 8, 2024, with a trailer released the following day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Timothy |title=First Gladiator 2 Poster Released Ahead of Trailer Debut |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-first-poster-trailer-release-date/ |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |date=8 July 2024 |access-date=8 July 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708180620/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-first-poster-trailer-release-date/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The trailer would also reportedly be attached to the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) film ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]'' (2024), which was released on July 26, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/gladiator-2-trailer-release/ |title=Here's When the 'Gladiator 2' Trailer Will Drop [Exclusive] |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625005645/https://collider.com/gladiator-2-trailer-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jennifer Ouellette of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' said the trailer indicated the film "promises to be just as much of a visual feast, as a new crop of power players (plus a couple of familiar faces) clash over the future of Rome".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ouellette |first=Jennifer |date=2024-07-09 |title=It's another bloody power struggle for Rome's future in Gladiator II trailer |url=https://arstechnica.com/culture/2024/07/its-another-bloody-power-struggle-for-romes-future-in-gladiator-ii-trailer/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710000900/https://arstechnica.com/culture/2024/07/its-another-bloody-power-struggle-for-romes-future-in-gladiator-ii-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rather than using an orchestral score, the first trailer used "[[No Church in the Wild]]" by [[Jay-Z]] and [[Kanye West]], which caused a backlash among film fans who said it was too modern of a song choice. Some justified this choice of music by citing the trailer for the first ''Gladiator'' which had used "[[Bawitdaba]]" by [[Kid Rock]].<ref>{{cite news | date = July 10, 2024 | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/gladiator-2-trailer-no-church-in-the-wild-song-b2577211.html | access-date = July 13, 2024 | newspaper = The Independent | title = Gladiator 2 trailer causes ridiculous debate among film fans | first = Jacob | last = Stolworthy | archive-date = July 12, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240712134936/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/gladiator-2-trailer-no-church-in-the-wild-song-b2577211.html | url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[Screen Rant]]'' criticized how the second trailer [[Spoiler (media)|spoiled]] the [[plot twist]] of Maximus being Lucius's father; while a common fan theory since the first film's release, Adam Bentz found it questionable to reveal in a trailer, as it could have been emotionally impactful for audiences like it was for Mescal when he found out his character's relationship with the original's protagonist.<ref>{{cite news | date = October 22, 2024 | url = https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-maximus-father-twist-paul-mescal-response/ | access-date = October 23, 2024 | newspaper = [[Screen Rant]] | title = "Oh Sh*t": Gladiator II's Paul Mescal Reveals How He Reacted To The Maximus Twist | first = Adam | last = Bentz | archive-date = | archive-url = }}</ref>

On the first day of the [[2024 NFL season]], Paramount Pictures and [[Pepsi]] announced a campaign cross-promoting the film with the soft drink's sponsorship of the [[National Football League]]. A series of advertisements featured football stars [[Josh Allen]], [[Derrick Henry]], [[Justin Jefferson]], and [[Travis Kelce]] as "Gridiron Gladiators", with [[Megan Thee Stallion]] appearing as Empress Megan.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=PEPSI® KICKS OFF 2024 NFL SEASON WITH COLOSSAL CAMPAIGN INSPIRED BY PARAMOUNT PICTURES' UPCOMING "GLADIATOR II", STARRING MEGAN THEE STALLION AND NFL SUPERSTARS JOSH ALLEN, DERRICK HENRY, JUSTIN JEFFERSON, AND TRAVIS KELCE |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsi-kicks-off-2024-nfl-season-with-colossal-campaign-inspired-by-paramount-pictures-upcoming-gladiator-ii-starring-megan-thee-stallion-and-nfl-superstars-josh-allen-derrick-henry-justin-jefferson-and-travis-kelce-302238558.html |location=[[Purchase, New York]] |publisher=[[PepsiCo]] |agency=PR Newswire |date=2024-09-05 |access-date=2024-09-05}}</ref>

On October 4, 2024, Japanese [[professional wrestling]] promotion [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] announced that the movie would sponsor that year's [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2024)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] event on October 14, which is slated to be the first since 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Andrew |title=Gladiator II movie starring Denzel Washington named main sponsor of NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/10/04/gladiator-ii-movie-starring-denzel-washington-named-main-sponsor-of-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=POST Wrestling |date=October 4, 2024 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004110339/https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/10/04/gladiator-ii-movie-starring-denzel-washington-named-main-sponsor-of-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 November 2024, at [[Lucca Comics & Games]] 2024, to promote the film in Italian cinemas, [[Francesco Totti]] played a [[Roman centurion]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Il Gladiatore II e Francesco Totti sorprendono il Lucca Comics & Games |url=https://boxofficebiz.it/news/il-gladiatore-ii-e-francesco-totti-sorprendono-il-lucca-comics-games/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |agency=boxofficebiz.it |publisher=boxofficebiz.it |date=1 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Francesco Totti gladiatore al Lucca Comics: sorpresa in piazza San Michele |url=https://www.lanazione.it/lucca/comics/francesco-totti-mybj6kn5 |access-date=2 November 2024 |agency=lanazione.it |publisher=lanazione.it |date=1 November 2024}}</ref> On November 11, 2024, [[Scuderia Ferrari]] drivers [[Charles Leclerc]] and [[Carlos Sainz Jr.]] attended the film's premiere in London as part of a collaboration with Paramount to promote the film, with the film's actors Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, and Fred Hechinger joining the team at the [[2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix]]. The film's logo appeared on Ferrari's car for the Grand Prix itself.<ref>{{cite news | date = November 11, 2024 | url = https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/articles/scuderia-ferrari-hp-celebrates-together-with-paramount-the-release-of-gladiator-ii | access-date = November 18, 2024 | work = [[Scuderia Ferrari]] | title = Scuderia Ferrari HP celebrates together with Paramount the release of ''Gladiator II'' | archive-date = | archive-url = }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
{{As of|2024|12|30|df=US}}, ''Gladiator II'' has grossed {{USD|163.1 million|long=no}} in the United States and Canada, and {{USD|272.1 million|long=no}} in other territories, for a worldwide total of {{USD|435.2 million|long=no}}.<ref name="NUM"/><ref name="BOM"/>

In the United States and Canada, ''Gladiator II'' was projected to gross {{USD|60 million|long=no}} from 3,500 theaters in its opening weekend. It was released alongside ''[[Wicked (2024 film)|Wicked]]'', which was compared to 2023's [[Barbenheimer]] due to the films' contrasting target audiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/wicked-gladiator-box-office-preview-1236181463/|title='Wicked' To Win Over The World With $165M-$200M Opening; 'Gladiator II' Passing $100M Overseas Today With An Eye On $60M+ U.S. Weekend – Box Office Preview|date=November 19, 2024|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=November 19, 2024|archive-date=November 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120022203/https://deadline.com/2024/11/wicked-gladiator-box-office-preview-1236181463/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/long-range-forecast-gladiator-ii-goes-to-battle-at-the-box-office/|title=Long Range Forecast: ''Gladiator II'' Goes to Battle at the Box Office|date=October 24, 2024|website=[[Boxoffice Pro]]|access-date=November 11, 2024}}</ref> The film made {{USD|22 million|long=no}} on its first day, including {{USD|6.5 million|long=no}} from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut to {{USD|55.5 million|long=no}}, finishing second behind ''[[Wicked (2024 film)|Wicked]]''. It marked the biggest opening weekend of Denzel Washington's career, surpassing ''[[American Gangster (film)|American Gangster]]'' ({{USD|43.5 million|long=no}} in 2007), and also topped ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]'' ({{USD|51.2 million|long=no}} in 2002) for the best opening for a November R-rated film.<ref name=opening>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/box-office-wicked-gladiator-ii-1236184897/|title='Wicked' & 'Gladiator II' AKA 'Glicked' Fuel $205M Combined Weekend, Best Pre-Thanksgiving Frame In 11 Years — Sunday AM Box Office Update|date=November 24, 2024|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-date=November 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123235153/https://deadline.com/2024/11/box-office-wicked-gladiator-ii-1236184897/|url-status=live}}</ref> In its second weekend the film made {{USD|30.7 million|long=no}} (and a total of {{USD|44 million|long=no}} over the five day [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving frame]]), dropping 44% and finishing third behind ''[[Moana 2]]'' and ''Wicked''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/box-office-moana-2-wicked-thanksgiving-1236189131/|title= Chee Hoo Mania At The Box Office: 'Moana 2' $221M 5-Day Opening Is Best 5-Day & Thanksgiving Ever; 'Wicked' Wows $117M+ & 'Gladiator II' $44M – Sunday Update |date=December 1, 2024|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> In its third weekend the film made $12.5 million, remaining in third place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 8, 2024 |title='Moana 2', 'Wicked' & 'Gladiator II' Driving Record Post-Thanksgiving Frame Near $132M – Sunday AM Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/box-office-moana-2-wicked-pushpa-2-1236196509/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US |access-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207214609/https://deadline.com/2024/12/box-office-moana-2-wicked-pushpa-2-1236196509/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/box-office-moana-2-wins-weekend-a24s-y2k-craters-1236242608/|title=Box Office: 'Moana 2' Scores $52 Million in Second Weekend, A24's 'Y2K' Craters With $2 Million Debut|author=Rebecca Rubin|work=Variety|date=December 8, 2024|accessdate=December 8, 2024|archive-date=December 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208174755/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/box-office-moana-2-wins-weekend-a24s-y2k-craters-1236242608/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film was released in 63 territories one week ahead of its U.S. release and earned {{USD|87 million|long=no}}, the biggest opening weekend of Ridley Scott's career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/18/gladiator-ii-takes-87m-to-break-ridley-scott-opening-box-office-record|title=Gladiator II takes $87m to break Ridley Scott opening box-office record|date= November 18, 2024|first=Catherine|last=Shoard|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref> The second weekend had ''Gladiator II'' earning {{USD|106 million|long=no}} worldwide to finish second behind ''Wicked'', with its {{USD|50.5 million|long=no}} overseas being slightly higher than the {{USD|50.2 million|long=no}} of its competitor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/wicked-global-box-office-opening-gladiator-2-international-box-office-1236186177/|title='Wicked' Casts $164M+ Spell In Global Opening; 'Gladiator II' Thunders To $221M WW After 2nd Offshore Frame – International Box Office|publisher=Deadline|author=Tartaglione, Nancy|date=November 24, 2024|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-date=December 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201191618/https://deadline.com/2024/11/wicked-global-box-office-opening-gladiator-2-international-box-office-1236186177/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
[[File:Denzel Washington at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival 02 (cropped).jpg|thumb|242x242px|[[Denzel Washington]]'s performance as Macrinus received critical acclaim.]]

{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|71|6.6|372|Echoing its predecessor while upping the bloodsport and camp, ''Gladiator II'' is an action extravaganza that derives much of its strength and honor from Denzel Washington's scene-stealing performance.|ref=yes|access-date=January 1, 2025}}{{cbignore}} {{Metacritic film prose|64|62|ref=yes|access-date=December 11, 2024}}{{cbignore}} Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale (down from the first film's A), while those surveyed by [[PostTrak]] gave it a 77% overall positive score, with 64% saying they would "definitely recommend" it.<ref name="opening" />

Rotten Tomatoes reported that critics praised the action, performances, story, and visuals, but some argued that "plot-wise it's actually too similar to its predecessor".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gladiator II First Reviews: The Grand Spectacle of Action and Intrigue You're Hoping For |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/gladiator-ii-first-reviews-the-grand-spectacle-of-action-and-intrigue-youre-hoping-for/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112155445/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/gladiator-ii-first-reviews-the-grand-spectacle-of-action-and-intrigue-youre-hoping-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, Metacritic stated that "most critics also feel that the film lives in the shadow of the more emotional and ultimately superior original."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=Best Movies Directed by Ridley Scott, Ranked |url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/best-ridley-scott-movies/2/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Metacritic |language=en}}</ref> Early reactions from the film's first screening at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on October 18, 2024, were positive. Critics praised Scott's direction, the set pieces, battle sequences and Mescal's and Washington's performances, mentioning that Scott and Washington could be nominated for the [[Academy Awards]], but a few felt the film lacked an "emotional punch" when compared to the original film.<ref name="THR1streact">{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Carly |title=''Gladiator II'' First Reactions From Early Screening: "A Total Spectacle With a Pulsating Pace" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-2-first-reactions-screening-1236035517/ |access-date=October 19, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=October 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Glenn |date=2024-10-20 |title=''Gladiator II'' First Reactions Call Ridley Scott's Sequel "Unhinged," "Deliciously Cinematic And Machiavellian": "Can't Believe Ridley Pulled This Off" |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/gladiator-ii-first-reactions-ridley-scott-sequel-unhinged-deliciously-cinematic-machiavellian-1236121555/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gladiator II First Reactions: Ridley Scott Has Done It Again |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/gladiator-ii-first-reactions-ridley-scott-has-done-it-again/ |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=2024-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> Film critic Scott Menzel deemed the film Scott's best since ''[[The Martian (film)|The Martian]]'' (2015), a "big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle" that builds upon the original film's legacy.<ref name="THR1streact" />

Filmmaker [[Christopher Nolan]] named it one of his favorite films of 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/lists/christopher-nolan-gladiator-2-michael-mann-barry-jenkins/the-fire-inside-2/ | title=Directors Pick Favorite Films of 2024: Christopher Nolan Praises 'Gladiator II,' Barry Jenkins on 'Nickel Boys,' Jeff Nichols on 'Sing Sing' and More }}</ref>

===Historical accuracy===
The film's historical accuracy was also criticized. Some inaccuracies include the siege of a [[Numidia]]n city by Roman [[trireme]]s and the presence of [[shark]]s in a [[naumachia]].<ref name="Laurence"/> Numidia had already been part of the Roman Empire for about 250 years during the reign of Caracalla.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Only History 'Gladiator II' Cares About Is Its Own |url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/gladiator-2-real-roman-history-1235068039/ |work=[[IndieWire]] |date=November 22, 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122230812/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/gladiator-2-real-roman-history-1235068039/ |url-status=live }}</ref> University of Chicago historian [[Shadi Bartsch]] described the film as "total Hollywood bullshit".<ref>{{cite news |title=The Real History Behind Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II' and Life as a Fighter in the Ancient Roman Arena |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-real-history-behind-ridley-scotts-gladiator-ii-and-life-as-a-fighter-in-the-ancient-roman-arena-180985494/ |work=[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]] |date=November 21, 2024}}</ref> At the same time, baboons and a rhinoceros showcased on the Colosseum's arena are historically attested,<ref name="Laurence">{{cite web|url=https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/november-2024/gladiator-2-how-historically-accurate-is-it|title=Gladiator II: How historically accurate is it?|author=[[Ray Laurence]]|publisher=[[Macquarie University]]|date=14 November 2024|access-date=17 November 2024|archive-date=November 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121025329/https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/november-2024/gladiator-2-how-historically-accurate-is-it|url-status=live}}</ref> although there is no record of gladiators riding a rhinoceros.<ref name="BBC History Magazine"/> Scholar [[Ray Laurence]] noted that "the ancient admiration of those who defy death as gladiators is nicely set out by the film" and that "the culture of gladiators is well presented with a doctor of gladiators".<ref name="Laurence"/>

Prior to the reenacted naval battle within the Colosseum, the announcer claims that the gladiators would be reenacting the [[Battle of Salamis]] between the Trojans and the Persians. In reality, the Battle of Salamis was fought in 480 BCE between the Greek city-states and the Persians, with no Trojan involvement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=Battle of Salamis: The Unexpected Greek Victory over the Persians |url=https://www.thecollector.com/battle-of-salamis/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=TheCollector |language=en |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615164900/https://www.thecollector.com/battle-of-salamis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{original research inline|date=December 2024}}

The real-life [[Macrinus]] was a [[praetorian prefect]] of [[Berbers|Berber]] descent from [[Mauretania Caesariensis|North Africa]] who became Roman emperor in 217 AD after conspiring against Caracalla and having him murdered.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jonny |last=Wilkes |title=The real Macrinus: how Gladiator II's power broker became a short-lived Roman emperor |url=https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/macrinus-real-roman-emperor/ |work=BBC History Magazine |date=15 November 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117143620/https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/macrinus-real-roman-emperor/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gladiator 2's Denzel Washington Reflects On Historical Inaccuracy Of His Character: "Macrinus Wasn't Black" |url=https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-macrinus-historical-inaccuracy-denzel-washington-response/ |work=[[Screen Rant]] |date=22 November 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122220805/https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-macrinus-historical-inaccuracy-denzel-washington-response/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was not a [[Slavery|slave]] to Marcus Aurelius and never trained gladiators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Which Characters from Gladiator II Are Real? |url=https://www.biography.com/history-culture/a62977525/are-characters-from-gladiator-ii-real |work=Biography.com |date=November 21, 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122215232/https://www.biography.com/history-culture/a62977525/are-characters-from-gladiator-ii-real |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[The Times]]'' Washington argued that there were definitely Black people in Rome at the time.<ref>{{cite web | date=November 22, 2024 |author=Jonathan Dean | url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/denzel-washington-gladiator-ii-interview-ls9dv88qw | title=Denzel Washington: ‘I made some real clunkers after Malcolm X’ | website=[[The Times]] |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241118022711/https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/denzel-washington-gladiator-ii-interview-ls9dv88qw |archive-date=2024-11-18 | access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

The emperors Geta and Caracalla were not twins. (Caracalla was about one year older than Geta.) [[Lucius Verus]] was Roman emperor from 161 AD until his death in 169 AD, alongside his adoptive brother [[Marcus Aurelius]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The Real Roman History Behind 'Gladiator II', Explained |url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a61499972/roman-history-behind-gladiator-ii-true-story/ |work=Esquire |date=9 July 2024 |access-date=November 24, 2024 |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828191706/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a61499972/roman-history-behind-gladiator-ii-true-story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The character of Lucilla is also based on a real historical figure. The real-life [[Lucilla]] was the daughter of Marcus Aurelius and the wife of Lucius Verus. One of their sons was named Lucius Verus.<ref name="BBC History Magazine">{{cite news |first=Kev |last=Lochun |title=Sharks in the arena? Gladiator II's real history and historical accuracy explained |url=https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/gladiator-ii-real-history-true-story/ |work=BBC History Magazine |date=15 November 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122132737/https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/gladiator-ii-real-history-true-story/? |url-status=live }}</ref>

Caracalla, after becoming sole emperor, names his pet monkey as consul. There is no historical evidence of this happening. This was possibly inspired by the earlier Roman emperor [[Caligula]], who according to [[Suetonius]], intended to name his horse [[Incitatus]] as consul.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cava |first=Marco della |title=Fact-checking 'Gladiator II': Were there really sharks in the Colosseum? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/11/23/gladiator-2-true-story-fact-check/76387624007/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126232742/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/11/23/gladiator-2-true-story-fact-check/76387624007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

An idea that is presented in both ''Gladiator'' films is the [[Branding iron|marking with fire]] of gladiators. This myth comes from an incorrect interpretation of [[Sacramentum (oath)|Sacramentum]] of gladiators, which when translated into English means “I swear to let myself be burned” (bonded, punished, and killed with fire). The way this should be interpreted is more of a reference to combat than an actual mark that would identify you as a gladiator. However, this practice of marking did happen but only to [[slavery|slaves]] attempting to escape from their masters. Slaves running away from their masters were considered robbers because Romans believed when a slave tried running away from his master, he was “stealing himself” from his owner, so they would mark him so people would know he is a slave if he tried to run away again.<ref>{{Cite web |last=World |first=SPQR {{!}} Ancient Rome and the Ancient |date=2024-01-30 |title=Common Misconceptions about Gladiators |url=https://medium.com/@ancient.rome/common-misconceptions-about-gladiators-1498cf69af52 |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

There is no historical record of a Roman general named Marcus Acacius.<ref name="BBC History Magazine"/> The Roman co-emperors Geta and Caracalla were of mixed [[Roman Italy|Italic]], [[Arab]], and [[Punic]] [[Roman Africans|North African]] descent, but the actors who played them are not.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hollywood's Gladiator II: Another missed opportunity for authentic North African representation |url=https://www.newarab.com/features/gladiator-ii-missed-chance-north-african-representation |work=[[The New Arab]] |date=9 August 2024 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921183103/https://www.newarab.com/features/gladiator-ii-missed-chance-north-african-representation |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" | Award/Festival
! scope="col" | Date of ceremony
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Recipient(s)
! Result
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | {{Ref heading}}
|-
! scope="row" |[[Hollywood Music in Media Awards]]
|[[15th Hollywood Music in Media Awards|November 20, 2024]]
|[[Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Score in a Feature Film|Original Score – Feature Film]]
|[[Harry Gregson-Williams]]
|{{nominated}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Hollywood Music in Media Awards Noms Led by 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Blitz,' With Elton John, Hans Zimmer and Scores More Among the Nominees |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/hollywood-music-in-media-awards-nominations-songs-scores-emilia-perez-elton-john-1236202806/ |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[Hollywood Music in Media Awards]]}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Camerimage]]
|[[32nd International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography Camerimage|November 23, 2024]]
|Golden Frog
|[[John Mathieson (cinematographer)|John Mathieson]]
|{{nominated}}
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://camerimage.pl/en/movies/2024/659768|access-date=2024-11-15 |website=camerimage.pl}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" |[[National Board of Review|National Board of Review Awards]]
|[[National Board of Review Awards 2024|December 4, 2024]]
|[[National Board of Review: Top Ten Films|Top Ten Films]]
| ''Gladiator II''
| {{won}}
||<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Clayton |date=December 4, 2024 |title='Wicked' Named Best Picture by National Board of Review, Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman Among Acting Winners |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/awards/national-board-of-review-winners-2024-wicked-1236225469/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US|archive-date=December 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205193927/https://variety.com/2024/film/awards/national-board-of-review-winners-2024-wicked-1236225469/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattanzio |first=Ryan |date=December 4, 2024|title='Wicked' and Jon M. Chu Win Big with the National Board of Review — See the Full List |url=https://www.indiewire.com/awards/results/national-board-of-review-2024-winners-list-1235072435/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |website=[[IndieWire]] |language=en-US|archive-date=December 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205193927/https://www.indiewire.com/awards/results/national-board-of-review-2024-winners-list-1235072435/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |[[Golden Globe Awards]]
| rowspan="2" |[[82nd Golden Globe Awards|January 5, 2025]]
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture]]
| [[Denzel Washington]]
| {{Pending}}
| rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnard |first=Matthew |date=2024-12-09 |title=NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 82nd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES® |url=https://goldenglobes.com/articles/nominations-announced-for-82nd-annual-golden-globes/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Golden Globes |language=en-US |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209150741/https://goldenglobes.com/articles/nominations-announced-for-82nd-annual-golden-globes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement|Cinematic and Box Office Achievement]]
|''Gladiator II''
|{{Pending}}
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row" |[[AARP Movies for Grownups Awards]]
| rowspan="4" |[[24th AARP Movies for Grownups Awards|January 11, 2025]]
|[[AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Movie for Grownups|Best Picture]]
|''Gladiator II''
|{{pending}}
| rowspan="4" align="center" | <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |date=2024-11-20 |title=Movies for Grownups Awards: 'Conclave' Leads With 6 Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/movies-for-grownups-awards-2025-nominations-nominees-list-1236067195/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121010355/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/movies-for-grownups-awards-2025-nominations-nominees-list-1236067195/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
|[[Ridley Scott]]
|{{pending}}
|-
|[[AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|[[Denzel Washington]]
|{{pending}}
|-
|[[AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
|[[Connie Nielsen]]
|{{pending}}
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row" |[[Critics' Choice Movie Awards]]
| rowspan="4" |[[30th Critics' Choice Awards|January 12, 2025]]
|[[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|[[Denzel Washington]]
| {{Pending}}
| rowspan="4" align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=2024-12-12 |title='Conclave' And 'Wicked' Lead Critics Choice Awards Film Nominations – Full List |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/critics-choice-awards-2024-film-nominations-1236201448/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214083341/https://deadline.com/2024/12/critics-choice-awards-2024-film-nominations-1236201448/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
|[[Janty Yates]] and [[Dave Crossman]]
|{{Pending}}
|-
|[[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]]
|[[Arthur Max]], Jille Azis, and [[Elli Griff]]
|{{Pending}}
|-
|[[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]]
|Mark Bakowski, Pietro Ponti, Nikki Penny, and [[Neil Corbould]]
|{{Pending}}
|}

==Potential sequel==
In September 2024, Scott revealed that he was developing a script for a third film, and that the realization depends on the reception for the second installment. Titled ''Gladiator III'', the plot was stated to follow the continuing adventures of Lucius Verus. Likening the ending of ''Gladiator II'' to ''[[The Godfather Part II]]'' (1974), the filmmaker stated that the next movie would explore the character's realization that he is now tasked with a continuing reputation that he does not want.<ref name="Future_Premiere">{{cite web |url=https://www.premiere.fr/Cinema/News-Cinema/Ridley-Scott-prepare-deja-Gladiator-3--exclu|work=Premiere|title=Ridley Scott is already preparing Gladiator 3 [exclusive]|author=Picard, Sylvestre|date=September 20, 2024|access-date=September 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Future_Variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/ridley-scott-gladiator-3-ideas-development-1236151985/|work=Variety|title=Ridley Scott Is 'Already Toying With the Idea' for 'Gladiator 3': 'Seriously! I've Lit the Fuse'|author=Sharf, Zack|date=September 20, 2024|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923213751/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/ridley-scott-gladiator-3-ideas-development-1236151985/|url-status=live}}</ref> Scott later stated that the movie is in early stages of development and intended to be the next project he works on,<ref name="Future_THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-iii-ridley-scott-1236008160/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Ridley Scott Planning a 'Gladiator 3': "There's Already an Idea"|author=Hibberd, James & Aaron Couch|date=September 20, 2024|access-date=September 24, 2024}}</ref> though the following month he stated to ''[[The New York Times]]'' his next projects after ''Gladiator II'' will be a [[Bee Gees]] biopic, set to shoot in September 2025, and an adaptation of the [[science fiction]] novel ''[[The Dog Stars]]'', set to shoot in Italy in April 2025.<ref name="TNYT Scott" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sir Ridley Scott on Gladiator II |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sir-ridley-scott-on-gladiator-ii/id1616559297?i=1000676935493 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-CA |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121044652/https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sir-ridley-scott-on-gladiator-ii/id1616559297?i=1000676935493 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{wikiquote-inline|Gladiator II|''Gladiator II''}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title|9218128}}

{{Ridley Scott}}
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[[Category:Gladiator (2000 film)]]
[[Category:2024 action drama films]]
[[Category:2020s American films]]
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[[Category:British epic films]]
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[[Category:British historical drama films]]
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[[Category:Cultural depictions of Lucilla]]
[[Category:Films affected by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ridley Scott]]
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[[Category:Films set in 2nd-century Roman Empire]]
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