Gladiator 2 reveals first look at Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in action-packed pics

Ridley Scott’s epic blockbuster is hitting cinemas at the end of the year.

By David Craig

Published: Monday, 01 July 2024 at 15:13 PM

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has released a first look at its star-studded cast in action, with Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal leading the long-awaited sequel to the epic period drama.

The film takes place decades after the original, with All of Us Strangers star Mescal playing Lucius, son of Connie Nielsen’s noblewoman Lucilla, who is one of two confirmed returning characters (alongside Derek Jacobi’s Senator Gracchus).

The plot of the film focuses primarily on a rivalry between Lucius and Roman general Acacius (The Last of Us‘ Pascal), who trained under the late Maximus (Russell Crowe, who will not be appearing) and leads a merciless assault on the town of Numidia.

Quizzed on the themes of the story by Vanity Fair, Mescal summarised: “What human beings will do to survive, but also what human beings will do to win.

“We see that in the arena, but also in the political struggle that’s going on outside of my character’s storyline, where you see there’s other characters striving and pulling for power.

“Where’s the space for humanity? Where’s the space for love, familial connection? And ultimately, will those things overcome this kind of greed and power? Those things are oftentimes directly in conflict with each other.”

The publication also shared the first images from the film, which include a number of shots of Mescal’s protagonist in various tight spots. Fans will just have to wait and see if he can make it to the credits in one piece.