With the release of Gladiator II, action movie fans are on the edge of their seats. The sequel to the 2000s historical epic film stars Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal.
The original Gladiator movie follows the life of a former Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius and his vengeful plans to kill Emperor Commodus, who murdered Maximus’s wife and son alongside Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus works his way up from slavery through fighting and entertaining crowds in a packed colosseum. Maximus eventually challenges Commodus to a fight, taking his life with the same blade Commodus used to stab and weaken Maximus.
The new Gladiator II movie continues the story of Lucius Verus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius’s grandson, played by Paul Mescal. Lucius resides in Numidia, comprising roughly the territory of northeast Algeria. After the invasion of General Marcus Acacius’s Roman army, Lucius is enslaved and his wife is killed. Lucius follows a similar path to that of Maximus, fighting battles in the Colosseum and captivating bloodthirsty audiences.
Michael Dougherty, a film and movie enthusiast, enjoyed the original Gladiator when he saw it for the first time back in 2000. “The original was groundbreaking, so it makes me curious if this one will live up to the first,” said Dougherty. “I’m almost afraid I’ll be disappointed if I go see it. The first was so epic, I’m bound to be disappointed,” he continued.
Dougherty is among the 74% of Gen Z and millennial viewers who prefer to watch original movies and TV shows rather than remakes or sequels.
Part of the hype surrounding Gladiator II comes from its star-studded cast. In addition to familiar faces from the original movie, many Gen Z fans are excited to experience the popular and diverse cast. “I think it’s super fun to see actors from other movies that I like,” explained Natalie Hanson. “It’s also super cool to see how one person can play so many different roles and act out so many different scenes and emotions. For example, Ryan Gosling in The Gray Man versus Ryan Gosling in the Barbie movie are two completely different people, but they’re the same actor.”
Hanson is excited to see how Pedro Pascal interprets the role of General Marcus Acacius. “It’s going to be fun to see Pedro Pascal in Gladiator II. He just looks like he wouldn’t be in a gladiator-type movie, so it will be very entertaining to watch.”
With its innovative storyline, fan favorite cast and incredible legacy, Gladiator II promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, extending the greatness of the original Gladiator movie. Old and young fans alike can enjoy this truly entertaining sequel.
