Gladiator 2 First Footage Teases Some of the ‘Biggest Action Sequences Ever Put on Film’

New footage from the long-awaited Gladiator 2 was recently screened to a trade audience and the new sequel, led by Paul Mescal, reportedly features one of the biggest action sequences in cinema history. The sequel to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (starring Russell Crowe) was first announced back in 2018. However, its production has been fraught with difficulties, resulting in several delays. But, with principal photography complete, and reshoots currently ongoing, Gladiator 2 is moving closer and closer to completion.

Per Variety, footage from Gladiator 2 was screened at the 2024 CineEurope trade show and was the main event of Paramount’s presentation. Paramount went all out to present the footage, erecting a giant cardboard Colosseum in the auditorium, and hiring actors to pose as Roman legionaries. The selected scene featured Paul Mescal (Lucius) with Pedro Pascal. Pascal’s role in the new movie remains a mystery. Alongside the scene, Paramount screened a new, unreleased trailer for the movie.

Ridley Scott didn’t attend the presentation, but did appear in a video introduction. The acclaimed British director assured audiences that the sequel, releasing 25 years after Gladiator, was “well worth the wait.” Scott’s video message was then followed by Mark Viane, President of International Distribution at Paramount, who made a bold claim saying that Gladiator 2 has some of the “biggest action sequences ever put on film.”

Gladiator 2 Is Due to Be Released in Theaters This November

While executives and producers at trade shows like CineCon and CineEurope are being treated to exclusive footage, the rest of us are biting our nails, desperate to see the first official trailer, clip, teaser, or anything from Gladiator 2. So far, the only thing that has been released to the public (via paparazzi) are photos of Paul Mescal on set during the current reshoots. The images show Mescal bloody and bruised, wearing armor that looks very similar to Maximus’ (Crowe) from the original movie.

Just like the footage and trailer, plot details about the film are still under lock and key at Paramount. Ridley Scott has given audiences some notion as to when the story will take place, and how it connects with Gladiator. The director said:

“He’s playing Lucius. He’s been in the wilderness for, about 12 or 15 years. Having lost that touch with his mother. [His] mother lost touch with him, she doesn’t know where he is. She thinks he might be dead.”

Some character details have also been revealed. Alongside Paul Mescal as Lucius, Connie Nelson will be reprising her role as Lucilla (Lucius’ mother), and Derek Jacobi, who played Gracchus (Lucilla’s most loyal adviser), will also be returning. Joining Mescal as the newcomers to the franchise are Joseph Quinn as Emperor Caracalla, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Geta, the aforementioned Pedro Pascal, whose role is still being kept a secret, and Denzel Washington who will play a “rich guy with a grudge.” Rumors have also been circulating that Djimon Honsou will return as Juba, a gladiatorial friend of Maximus in the first film. However, Honsou has previously denied these rumors.