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=May 2026}} {{Infobox film | image = Gladiator II (2024) poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | alt = A gladiator holding two swords. Horizontal panels of other scenes and characters fill the background. | 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| * Paul Mescal * Pedro Pascal * Joseph Quinn * Fred Hechinger * Connie Nielsen * Denzel Washington }} | cinematography = John Mathieson | editing = {{Plainlist| * Claire Simpson * Sam Restivo }} | music = Harry Gregson-Williams | studio = {{Plainlist| * Scott Free Productions * Red Wagon Entertainment }} | 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=BBFC}}</ref> | country = {{Plainlist| * United Kingdom * United States }} | language = English | budget = {{Plainlist| * $310 million (gross)<ref name="THR-Budget" /> * $210 million (net)<ref name="DeadlineBudget" /><ref name="opening" /> }} | gross = {{USD|462.2 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=February 9, 2025 |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 |access-date=February 9, 2025 |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 epic historical film directed and produced by Ridley Scott. The sequel to ''Gladiator'' (2000), it was written by David Scarpa based on a story he wrote with Peter Craig. The film was produced by Scott Free Productions and Red Wagon Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, 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> Derek 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 Caracalla and Geta.

A sequel to ''Gladiator'' was discussed as early as June 2001, with David Franzoni and John Logan set to return as screenwriters. Over the next few years, Scott offered occasional updates, including the possible involvement of the original film's lead actor, Russell Crowe, along with plot ideas about the Roman afterlife and different historical time periods. 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 David 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, and 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, although it was considered inferior to its predecessor, and grossed {{USD|462.2 million|long=no}} worldwide.<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 |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230043327/https://www.slashfilm.com/1713618/how-much-gladiator-2-needs-make-box-office-hit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It received two nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Supporting Actor for Washington, and was nominated for Best Costume Design at the 97th Academy Awards.

==Plot==  Sixteen years after Marcus Aurelius's death,{{efn|As depicted in ''Gladiator'' (2000)}} Rome is ruled by the twin emperors Caracalla and Geta. In the North African kingdom of Numidia, Hanno lives with his wife, Arishat. The Roman army led by General Justus Acacius invades and conquers the kingdom, killing Arishat and enslaving Hanno and other survivors. The enslaved people are taken to Ostia, where the Romans pit them against baboons to advertise them as potential gladiators. Hanno savagely kills one, 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. Caracalla and Geta prepare gladiatorial games in the Colosseum to celebrate. Acacius asks for a break from war with his wife Lucilla, Aurelius' daughter, but the emperors refuse and plot to conquer Persia and India. Senator Thraex hosts a party for the emperors, featuring a gladiatorial duel. After Hanno wins, he recites a verse from Virgil's ''Aeneid'', revealing his Roman education and raising Macrinus' suspicion. Acacius and Lucilla conspire with Thraex and Senator Gracchus to overthrow the emperors and restore the Republic.

Hanno emulates the legendary gladiator Maximus to defeat Glyceo the Destroyer and his black rhinoceros. Lucilla realizes that Hanno is her son, Lucius Verus, whom she sent away as a child to protect him from rivals for the throne after her brother's death. Lucilla visits Lucius and tries reconnecting with him, but he angrily rebuffs her, believing she had abandoned him. Lucilla reveals to Lucius that he is Maximus' son and tells him to use his father's strength to survive. During a naval battle in the Colosseum, Lucius leads the gladiators to victory and fires a crossbow at Acacius but fails to kill him.

Ravi, the gladiators' physician, befriends Lucius and shows him the shrine to Maximus, which includes Maximus' sword and armor. Lucilla and Acacius conspire to free Lucius as part of their plot to dethrone the emperors. 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 for Lucilla and Maximus. Lucius refuses to execute Acacius, but the Praetorian Guard does so at the emperors' command, prompting the people to riot. When Macrinus questions Lucius' refusal to kill Acacius, Lucius argues that Rome can be better.

Macrinus tricks Caracalla into believing that Geta will blame him for the riot; Caracalla kills Geta with Macrinus' help. Lucilla and Lucius reconcile; she gives him her father's ring, which also belonged to Maximus and Acacius. Increasingly delusional, Caracalla names his monkey, Dondus, as a 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 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' legions outside Rome. Lucilla is brought into the Colosseum, accompanied by the senators with whom she conspired, while Lucius rallies the gladiators to revolt against their enslavers. Armed with Maximus' sword and armor, he leads the gladiators to defend Lucilla. 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' legions and Macrinus' Praetorians confront each other outside Rome. To prevent a battle, Lucius duels Macrinus. Lucius ultimately kills Macrinus and reveals his identity as the imperial heir, persuading both armies to unite with him for a stronger Rome. Later, Lucius mourns his parents in the Colosseum.

== Cast ==  * Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius / "Hanno": The grandson of the former emperor Marcus Aurelius and son of Maximus Decimus Meridius, the protagonist of 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 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 }}</ref> Lucius lives with his wife in 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. * Pedro Pascal as 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' home, but is disillusioned by war and does not want to lead 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 |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' mother, Maximus' former lover, and Aurelius' daughter. She sent Lucius away from Rome after Maximus' death to protect him from rivals for the imperial throne. Following Maximus' 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=September 23, 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=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> Nielsen reprises her role from the first film.<ref name="VANFAIR" /> * Denzel Washington as Macrinus (loosely inspired by the historical figure 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 | 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 Aethiope 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 |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> Washington said that a scene involving Macrinus kissing another man was 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> a claim that 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 |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref> * Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta: The co-emperor of Rome alongside his brother, Caracalla. Scott described the pair as "damaged goods from birth" who are "almost a replay of Romulus and Remus",<ref name="VANFAIR" /> with another inspiration being Beavis and Butt-Head from the MTV adult cartoon 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 }}</ref> 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, not wanting to copy Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Commodus from the previous film.<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 |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 brother, Geta. He ahistorically has a pet Capuchin monkey named Dondus, and is less stable than his brother due to 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 first 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 Varanasi, 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' wife, a skilled archer who is killed during the Roman invasion of their home.<ref name="HollywoodReporterReview"/> * Alec Utgoff as Darius: Acacius' second-in-command, whom Acacius recruits to mount a coup against the corrupt emperors. * Yann Gael as Bostar. * Alexander Simkin as Glyceo the Destroyer: a gladiator riding a black rhinoceros.

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=November 24, 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 Fortuna,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ridgely |first=Charlie |date=March 5, 2025 |title=Gladiator 2 Deleted Scenes Prove One of the Best Characters Was Completely Cut From the Movie |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-2-may-calamway-deleted-scenes-fortuna-character-cut-movie/ |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref> an "important character",<ref name=Kroll20230518/> appears in the film in an uncredited non-speaking background role as Macrinus' companion.<ref name="Calamawy">{{Cite web |last=Salih |first=Swara |date=November 15, 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=November 16, 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 Gaza war 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 |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=November 17, 2024|access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref>}}

== Production == ===Development=== In June 2001, developments for a ''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 serving as screenwriter. The plot, set 15 years later, included the Praetorian Guards 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 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>

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=August 20, 2012}}</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 Roman gods. Maximus is sent back to Earth and tasked with ending Christianity by killing Jesus and his disciples, as Christianity was draining the power of the ancient 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-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=September 28, 2013|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=March 14, 2017|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>]] A version of the script featured Maximus in a brief flashback cameo appearance in the final scene.<ref>https://thedirect.com/article/gladiator-2-russell-crowe-scene</ref> In November 2018, it was announced that Paramount was greenlighting 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 Parkes+ 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=November 2, 2018}}</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).<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. He said, "After Commodus's death, there was a scramble for the chair, and out of that eventually came 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> The film's final credits went to Scarpa for the screenplay from a story by Scarpa and Craig, while off-screen Additional Literary Material credit was given to Franzoni, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and Jack Thorne.<ref name="WGACredits">{{Cite web |title=''Gladiator II'' |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1246519/gladiator-ii/ |access-date=March 22, 2026 |website=Writers Guild of America West}}</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, 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=November 14, 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> 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 October 16, 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 November 13, 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, 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'', 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 call.<ref name="TT" /><ref name="VANFAIR" /><ref name="EW"/> Austin Butler, Richard Madden, Timothée Chalamet 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><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/making-of-gladiator-ii-ridley-scott-paul-mescal-1236066080/ | title=Making of 'Gladiator II': Rome Wasn't Re-Built in a Day — It Took Nearly 25 Years | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=November 21, 2024 }}</ref> Mescal was chosen after Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland had seen his performance in the 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 |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. Scott 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'' (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 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=March 16, 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=March 17, 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 as "great filmmakers" who never miss, Washington accepted the role out of interest to work with the inspirational Scott again after their previous collaboration in ''American Gangster'' (2007).<ref name="WashingstonsReasonsToDoTheProject" /> Additionally, 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 |access-date=April 28, 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 did not conceive Macrinus with Washington in mind, but felt inspired to cast him after seeing the Jean-Léon Gérôme 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 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 was added to the cast as 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=April 28, 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=April 28, 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'' (2023). Jacobi reprises his role as Senator Gracchus.<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=May 1, 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=December 15, 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=== [[File:Fort Ricasoli and filming locations of Gladiator 10.jpg|left|thumb|Part of the film were shot at Fort Ricasoli in Malta.]] 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=April 29, 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=April 29, 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 a few early sequences being shot in 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 had not 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=June 9, 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=July 14, 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 |access-date=November 28, 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 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=June 11, 2024 |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=June 12, 2024 |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)}} Harry Gregson-Williams composed the score for the film, taking over from Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard who had 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 |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, 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 |date=March 6, 2024 |access-date=June 15, 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'' had its world premiere in Sydney on October 30, 2024.<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! Lifestyle|date=October 31, 2024|access-date=November 12, 2024}}</ref> It was released more widely in Australia, Italy and New Zealand 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> It was released in the United Kingdom and some other territories the following day, and in the United States and Canada on November 22. Universal Pictures declined to co-finance the sequel or distribute it overseas as it had the first film, leaving only Paramount Pictures 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 |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> 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 had been announced that the film's release date would be shared with ''Wicked'', 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'' and ''Oppenheimer'' both being released on July 21, 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |date=July 2, 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=July 5, 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=July 10, 2024 |date=July 10, 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 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> and on Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc on March 4, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gladiator II 4K Blu-ray |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=35708 |website=Blu-ray.com |access-date=January 21, 2025 |date=December 23, 2024}}</ref>

===Rating=== Much like the original film, ''Gladiator II'' was rated R 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=August 28, 2024 |date=August 27, 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 stated that ''Gladiator II'' will not receive a director's cut, as he 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 }}</ref>

In Australia, two cuts of the film were released; the original, uncut MA15+ version (with the consumer advice "strong 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}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</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 "strong animal cruelty, violence and blood and gore".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/gladiator-ii-home-entertainment-version|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209223222/https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/gladiator-ii-home-entertainment-version|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2024|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 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=July 8, 2024 |access-date=July 8, 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'', 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 |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=July 9, 2024 |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=July 10, 2024 |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 spoiled the plot twist of Maximus being Lucius' 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 }}</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= |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=September 5, 2024 |access-date=September 5, 2024}}</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 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 November 1, 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=November 2, 2024 |agency=boxofficebiz.it |publisher=boxofficebiz.it |date=November 1, 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=November 2, 2024 |agency=lanazione.it |publisher=lanazione.it |date=November 1, 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'' }}</ref>

==Reception== ===Box office=== ''Gladiator II'' grossed {{USD|172.4 million|long=no}} in the United States and Canada, and {{USD|289.7 million|long=no}} in other countries, for a worldwide total of {{USD|462.2 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'', 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''. It marked the biggest opening weekend of Denzel Washington's career, surpassing ''American Gangster'' ({{USD|43.5 million|long=no}} in 2007), and also topped ''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 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|access-date=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 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}} internationally 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|last=Tartaglione|first=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=== thumb|242x242px|Washington was singled out and praised by critics.

{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|70|6.6|406|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 24, 2026}}{{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" />

Christopher Campbell at Rotten Tomatoes summarized the reviews as having praised the action, performances, story, and visuals, and said some argued that "plot-wise it's actually too similar to its predecessor".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2024 |author=Christopher Campbell |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/ |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 |access-date=January 12, 2025 }}</ref> Nick Hyman at 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=November 20, 2024 |author=Nick Hyman |title=Best Movies Directed by Ridley Scott, Ranked |url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/best-ridley-scott-movies/2/ |website=Metacritic |access-date=January 22, 2024 }}</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=October 20, 2024 |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=October 21, 2024 |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=October 22, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> Film critic Scott Menzel deemed the film Scott's best since ''The Martian'' (2015), a "big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle" that builds upon the original film's legacy.<ref name="THR1streact" />

Filmmakers Christopher Nolan and Hannah Fidell named it among their 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 | date=December 18, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Flat |first1=Chris |title=65 Directors Pick Their Favorite Films of 2024 |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/directors-pick-best-films-2024/ |access-date=December 30, 2024 |work=IndieWire |date=December 30, 2024 |archive-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230231638/https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/directors-pick-best-films-2024/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Peter Gillibrand and Naomi Clarke of the BBC recount that Russell Crowe "criticised the creators of the Gladiator sequel for not understanding 'what made the first one special'[; Crowe said that] there was a 'daily fight ... to keep that moral core of the character' when ... filming the original. 'The amount of times they suggested sex scenes ... for Maximus – it's like "you're taking away his power",' he said. He also questioned the idea that Maximus had a relationship with ... Lucilla, describing it as 'crazy.' Russell also revealed people had come up to him in restaurants in Europe to complain after the sequel came out, to which he would say: 'It wasn't me, I didn't do it'."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9w7v5ej0gvo | title=Russell Crowe says Gladiator II creators misunderstood what made original 'special' | date=December 10, 2025 }}</ref>

===Historical accuracy=== Some inaccuracies include the siege of a Numidian city by Roman triremes<ref name="Laurence"/> and the presence of sharks in a naumachia.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Peitzman |first=Louis|date=November 21, 2024 |title=Ask a Roman-History Professor: Were There Ever Sharks in the Colosseum? |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/ask-a-roman-history-professor-were-there-ever-sharks-in-the-colosseum.html |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=Vulture.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 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 |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=November 14, 2024|access-date=November 17, 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"/>

There could be no naval battles in the Colosseum during the time of Caracalla since the underground structures were equipped for staging traditional gladiatorial fights and wild animals hunting games. The complex housed machinery such as winches and lifts and as a result naval games would have been impossible. 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" /><ref name="BBC History">{{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=November 15, 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 name="Screen Rant">{{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=November 22, 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>

The casting of Denzel Washington as Macrinus generated discussion regarding historical accuracy. The historical Macrinus was born into an equestrian class Berber family in Mauretania Caesariensis, North Africa, and historical records indicate he was a praetorian prefect who dealt with military and legal affairs, rather than a former gladiator owner as depicted in the film.<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> The depiction led to criticism in North Africa, particularly among commentators and audiences in Algeria, who accused the production of "blackwashing" and argued that portraying the Berber emperor as a Black sub-Saharan African inaccurately erased North African identity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solante |first=Amira |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Gladiator 2 relance la polémique sur l'histoire et la couleur |url=https://www.lexpressiondz.com/chroniques/l-ecran-libre/gladiator-2-relance-la-polemique-sur-l-histoire-et-la-couleur-329221 |website=L'Expression (Algérie) |access-date=November 26, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyes |first=Sonia |date=October 26, 2024 |title=Gladiator 2 : Polémique en Algérie autour de Macrinus, l'empereur berbère de Rome |url=https://www.tsa-algerie.com/gladiator-2-polemique-en-algerie-autour-de-macrinus-lempereur-berbere-de-rome/ |website=Tout sur l'Algérie |access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref> In response, Washington acknowledged that the historical Macrinus was not Black, but noted the historical presence of various African and diverse populations within the Roman Empire during that era.<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=November 18, 2024 | access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-macrinus-historical-inaccuracy-denzel-washington-response/ | title=Gladiator 2's Denzel Washington Reflects on Historical Inaccuracy of His Character Macrinus | website=Screen Rant | date=November 22, 2024 | access-date=November 22, 2024 }}</ref> The film also attracted attention for Washington's New York accent, with some social media reactions criticizing the perceived historical inauthenticity and use of modern American speech patterns in a film set in ancient Rome.<ref name=Bond>{{cite web |last=Bond |first=Sarah |title=Why Do We Expect Ancient Romans to Have British Accents in Movies? |url=https://hyperallergic.com/why-do-we-expect-romans-to-have-british-accents-in-movies/ |website=Hyperallergic |date=12 August 2024 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> Jermaine Bryant, a Roman historian and PhD candidate in Classics at Princeton University, suggested that the filmmakers’ decision to give Washington's character a New York accent could reflect a willingness by Hollywood to challenge the longstanding trope of portraying Romans with British accents and the broader British coding traditionally associated with Roman characters.<ref name=Bond/>

The emperors Caracalla and Geta were not twins{{mdash}}Caracalla was about one year older than Geta. They became the joint emperors in 211 on the death of their father, Lucius Septimius Severus (emperor from 193 to 211). They hated each other and barely spoke with each other from at least the time of their father's death. The two were not at all on friendly terms as depicted in the film. Within a year of their becoming co-emperors, Caracalla murdered Geta. Macrinus was not involved in this.

Caracalla went on as emperor until 217 when he was murdered in Syria by one Justin Martialis, a disgruntled soldier, possibly in a conspiracy arranged by Macrinus. Shortly afterwards Macrinus declared himself emperor and his young son Diadumenianus (who is not depicted in the film) a co-emperor. Both Macrinus and his son were killed in Asia Minor (not in the outskirts of Rome as in the film) in 218 in their struggle to stay in power against the challenge from Elagabalus, a Syrian-born high-priest of a local Syrian sun god of the same name, who then became emperor.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Decline and the Fall of the Roman Empire, Book 1, Chapter VI |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/731/731-h/731-h.htm#chap06.1 |author=Edward Gibbon |date=1776 |access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref> The film depicts Macrinus as being killed by the young Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla, daughter of Marcus Aurelius. But this is not possible. The real-life Lucilla was the wife of Lucius Verus, co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius, his adoptive brother.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Decline and the Fall of the Roman Empire, Book 1, Chapter IV |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/731/731-h/731-h.htm#chap04.1 |author=Edward Gibbon |date=1776 |access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref> She was born in 148 or 150, so by the time Severus died, she would have been 61 or 63 years old, much older than she is depicted in the film. One of her sons with Lucius Verus was also named Lucius Verus, as in the film. Lucilla had actually died some 20 years before the reign of Caracalla, being murdered on the orders of her brother, the then Emperor Commodus; her son Lucius had died in childhood.<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=November 15, 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><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=July 9, 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>

Caracalla, after becoming sole emperor, naming his pet as consul 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=November 30, 2024 |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 of gladiators. This myth comes from an incorrect interpretation of the ''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 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=January 30, 2024 |title=Common Misconceptions about Gladiators |url=https://medium.com/@ancient.rome/common-misconceptions-about-gladiators-1498cf69af52 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

There is no historical record of a Roman general named Acacius.<ref name="BBC History Magazine"/> The Roman co-emperors Caracalla and Geta were of mixed Arab, Italic, Libyan and Punic descent, but the actors who played them are not.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Birley |first=Anthony R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z8iEAgAAQBAJ&dq=Septimius+Severus+libyan+by+race&pg=PA50 |title=Septimius Severus: The African Emperor |date=June 1, 2002 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-70745-4 |language=en}}</ref><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=August 9, 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 |November 20, 2024 |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 |November 23, 2024 |Golden Frog |John Mathieson |{{nominated}} | align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://camerimage.pl/en/movies/2024/659768|access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=camerimage.pl |title=Camerimage {{!}} Gladiator II}}</ref> |- !scope="row" |National Board of Review Awards |December 4, 2024 |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 |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="7" scope="row" |Astra Creative Arts Awards | rowspan="7" | December 8, 2024 | Best Costume Design | Janty Yates and Dave Crossman | {{nom}} | rowspan="7" align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardsradar.com/2024/12/09/astra-awards-led-by-wicked/ |title=Astra Awards Led By 'Wicked' |author=arnewsteam |publisher=Awards Radar |date=December 8, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209081232/https://awardsradar.com/2024/12/09/astra-awards-led-by-wicked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Marketing Campaign | Paramount Pictures | {{nom}} |- | Best Production Design | Arthur Max, Jille Azis, and Elli Griff | {{nom}} |- | Best Sound | rowspan="3" | ''Gladiator II'' | {{nom}} |- | Best Visual Effects | {{nom}} |- | Best Stunts | {{nom}} |- | Best Stunt Coordinator | Nicola Berwick | {{nom}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Astra Film Awards | rowspan="2" | December 8, 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref name="Astras">{{cite press release |url=https://theastras.com/2024-astra-film-creative-arts-awards-nominations-have-arrived/ |title=2024 Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards Nominations Have Arrived |publisher=The Astras |date=November 25, 2024 |access-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203114407/https://theastras.com/2024-astra-film-creative-arts-awards-nominations-have-arrived/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Cast Ensemble | rowspan="2" | ''Gladiator II'' | {{nom}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |San Diego Film Critics Society | rowspan="2" | December 9, 2024 | Best Stunt Choreography | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref name="SDFCS">{{cite web |url=https://www.sdfcs.org/2024-nominations/ |title=2024 San Diego Film Critics Society Nominations |publisher=San Diego Film Critics Society |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207105952/https://www.sdfcs.org/2024-nominations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Supporting Actor | rowspan="5" | Denzel Washington | {{runner-up}} |- ! scope="row" |Seattle Film Critics Society | December 16, 2024 | Villain of the Year | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://seattlefilmcritics.com/2024/12/16/sfcs-2024-awards/ |title=Seattle Film Critics Society Names 'The Substance' the Best Picture of 2024 |publisher=Seattle Film Critics Society |date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216184446/https://seattlefilmcritics.com/2024/12/16/sfcs-2024-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association | December 18, 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dfwcritics.com/dfw-film-critics-name-anora-best-picture-of-2024/ |title=DFW Film Critics Name ''Anora'' Best Picture of 2024 |first=Todd |last=Jorgenson |publisher=Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association |date=December 18, 2024 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220105332/https://dfwcritics.com/dfw-film-critics-name-anora-best-picture-of-2024/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Florida Film Critics Circle | December 20, 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref name="FFCC">{{cite press release |url=https://www.floridafilmcritics.com/2024/12/21/the-beast-dominates-ffcc-awards/ |title='The Beast' Dominates FFCC Awards with three wins, 'Dune: Part Two' wins two |publisher=Florida Film Critics Circle |date=December 22, 2024 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224082450/https://www.floridafilmcritics.com/2024/12/21/the-beast-dominates-ffcc-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Golden Globe Awards | rowspan="2" |January 5, 2025 | Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnard |first=Matthew |date=December 9, 2024 |title=NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 82nd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES® |url=https://goldenglobes.com/articles/nominations-announced-for-82nd-annual-golden-globes/ |access-date=December 9, 2024 |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> |- |Cinematic and Box Office Achievement |rowspan="2"|''Gladiator II'' |{{nom}} |- ! rowspan="4" scope="row" |AARP Movies for Grownups Awards | rowspan="4" |January 11, 2025 |Best Picture |{{nom}} | rowspan="4" align="center" | <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |date=November 20, 2024 |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=November 22, 2024 |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> |- |Best Director |Ridley Scott |{{nom}} |- |Best Supporting Actor |Denzel Washington |{{nom}} |- |Best Supporting Actress |Connie Nielsen |{{nom}} |- ! rowspan="7" scope="row" |Satellite Awards | rowspan="7" | January 26, 2025 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | rowspan="7" align="center" |<ref name="Nominations">{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/2024-international-press-academy-satellite-awards-nominations-the-brutalist-shogun-lead/ |title=2024 International Press Academy Satellite Awards Nominations: 'The Brutalist,' 'Shōgun' Lead |last=Anderson |first=Erik |publisher=AwardsWatch |date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222152413/https://awardswatch.com/2024-international-press-academy-satellite-awards-nominations-the-brutalist-shogun-lead/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Cinematography | John Mathieson | {{nom}} |- | Best Editing | Sam Restivo and Claire Simpson | {{nom}} |- | Best Costume Design | Janty Yates and Dave Crossman | {{nom}} |- | Best Art Direction and Production Design | Arthur Max, Jille Azis, and Elli Griff | {{won}} |- | Best Sound | Stéphane Bucher, Matthew Collinge, Paul Massey, and Danny Sheehan | {{nom}} |- | Best Visual Effects | Mark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, and Pietro Ponti | {{won}} |- ! scope="row" |Set Decorators Society of America Awards | February 2, 2025 | Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Period Feature Film | Arthur Max, Jille Azis, and Elli Griff | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/5th-set-decorators-society-of-america-sdsa-nominations-the-substance-the-brutalist-beetlejuice-beetlejuice-and-more/ |title=5th Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) Nominations: 'The Substance', 'The Brutalist', 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', and More |first=Erik |last=Anderson |publisher=AwardsWatch |date=January 3, 2025 |access-date=January 3, 2025 |archive-date=January 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103222025/https://awardswatch.com/5th-set-decorators-society-of-america-sdsa-nominations-the-substance-the-brutalist-beetlejuice-beetlejuice-and-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Costume Designers Guild | February 6, 2025 | Excellence in Period Film | Janty Yates and Dave Crossman | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theplaylist.net/the-substance-wicked-agatha-all-along-earn-2025-costume-designer-guild-awards-nominations-20241213/|title='The Substance,' 'Wicked,' & 'Agatha All Along' Earn 2025 Costume Designer Guild Awards Nominations|website=The Playlist|first=Gregory|last=Ellwood|date=December 13, 2024|access-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |AACTA International Awards | February 7, 2025 | Best Supporting Actor | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/robbie-williams-better-man-aacta-international-awards-nominations-2025-1236251379/|title=Robbie Williams Film 'Better Man' Leads Australia's AACTA International Awards Nominations|date=December 17, 2024|website=Variety|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|access-date=December 18, 2024|archive-date=December 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217140605/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/robbie-williams-better-man-aacta-international-awards-nominations-2025-1236251379/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="4" scope="row" |Critics' Choice Movie Awards | rowspan="4" |February 7, 2025 |Best Supporting Actor |Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | rowspan="4" align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=December 12, 2024 |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=December 14, 2024 |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> |- |Best Costume Design |Janty Yates and Dave Crossman |{{nom}} |- |Best Production Design |Arthur Max, Jille Azis, and Elli Griff |{{nom}} |- |Best Visual Effects |Mark Bakowski, Pietro Ponti, Nikki Penny, and Neil Corbould |{{nom}} |- ! scope="row" |Annie Awards | February 8, 2025 | Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production | Kyle Dunlevy, Philipp Winterstein, Gil Daniel, Michael Elder, and Julien Bagory | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/awards/results/annie-awards-2025-nominations-list-1235079422/|title=Annie Awards 2025: 'The Wild Robot' Leads with 10 Nominations|website=IndieWire|first=Harrison|last=Richlin|date=December 20, 2024|access-date=December 20, 2024|archive-date=December 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221200711/https://www.indiewire.com/awards/results/annie-awards-2025-nominations-list-1235079422/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope=row rowspan="2"| Visual Effects Society Awards | rowspan="2"|{{dts|2025|2|11}} | Outstanding Created Environment in a Photoreal Feature |Oliver Kane, Stefano Farci, John Seru, Frederick Vallee (for "Rome") |{{nom}} | align="center" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/ves-awards-2025-nominations-list-1236255921/|title=VES Awards Nominations: Sandworms, Apes, Felines & Tornadoes Vie For Top Film Prize|work=Deadline|first=Erik|last=Pederson|date=January 14, 2025|access-date=January 14, 2025|archive-date=January 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114161341/https://deadline.com/2025/01/ves-awards-2025-nominations-list-1236255921/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project |Oliver Kane, Marnie Pitts, Charlotte Fargier, Laurie Priest (for "Colosseum") |{{nom}} |- ! scope="row" |Artios Awards | February 12, 2025 | Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Big Budget Feature (Drama) | Kate Rhodes James | {{nominated}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=December 17, 2024 |title='Wicked' & 'Gladiator II' Among Film Nominees For 40th Annual Artios Awards; Casting Nods Also Go To 'Saturday Night' & 'Moana 2 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/40th-annual-artios-awards-film-nominees-casting-1236206821/ |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US |archive-date=December 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217172253/https://deadline.com/2024/12/40th-annual-artios-awards-film-nominees-casting-1236206821/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |IFTA Film & Drama Awards | rowspan="2" | February 14, 2025 | Best Lead Actor – Film | Paul Mescal | {{nominated}} | rowspan="2" align="center" | <ref>{{cite news |last=Frost |first=Caroline |date=February 15, 2025 |title=Cillian Murphy, Demi Moore, Ralph Fiennes Winners At IFTA Awards (Complete Winners List) |url=https://deadline.com/2025/02/cillian-murphy-demi-moore-ralph-fiennes-winners-ifta-awards-complete-winners-list-1236290774/ |access-date=May 7, 2025 |website=Deadline}}</ref> |- | Best International Actor | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild | rowspan="2" | February 15, 2025 | Best Period and/or Character Make-Up in a Feature-Length Motion Picture | Jana Carboni, Charlie Hounslow, Maria Solberg Lepre, Lauren Baldwin, Chantal Busuttil | {{nominated}} | rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://members.local706.org/static/Guild_awards/2025_MUAHS_nominations.pdf|title=NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2025 MAKE-UP ARTISTS & HAIR STYLISTS GUILD AWARDS|website=Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild|date=December 10, 2024|access-date=December 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling in a Feature-Length Motion Picture | Giuliano Mariano, Kerstin Weller, Romina Ronzani, Nicola Mariano, Marcelle Genovese | {{nom}} |- ! rowspan="3" scope="row" |British Academy Film Awards | rowspan="3"|February 16, 2025 | Outstanding British Film | Ridley Scott, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, David Scarpa, Peter Craig | {{nom}} | rowspan="3" align="center"|<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |last2=Shafer |first2=Ellise |date=February 16, 2025 |title=BAFTA Awards: ''Conclave'' Scores Best Film as ''The Brutalist'' Ties With Four Wins and Mikey Madison Surprises in Leading Actress |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/bafta-film-awards-2025-winners-list-1236302717/ |access-date=February 16, 2025 |magazine=Variety }}</ref> |- | Best Sound | Stéphane Bucher, Matthew Collinge, Paul Massey, Danny Sheehan | {{nom}} |- | Best Special Visual Effects | Mark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, Pietro Ponti | {{nom}} |- ! scope="row" |Black Reel Awards | February 17, 2025 | Outstanding Supporting Performance | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |title=25th Annual Black Reel Awards Nominees |website=Black Reel Awards |date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 20, 2024 |url=https://www.blackreelawards.com/25th-annual-black-reel-awards-nominees |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220055307/https://www.blackreelawards.com/25th-annual-black-reel-awards-nominees |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Cinema Audio Society Awards | February 22, 2025 | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Motion Picture – Live Action | Stephane Bucher, Paul Massey, Matthew Collinge, Alan Meyerson, Filipe Pereira, and Rob Weatherall | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2025/artisans/awards/cinema-audio-society-2025-nominations-1236267885/ |title='Wicked', 'Deadpool and Wolverine' Among Cinema Audio Society Award Nominees |first=Carolyn |last=Giardina |work=Variety |date=January 7, 2025 |access-date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Screen Actors Guild Awards | February 23, 2025 | Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture | ''Gladiator II'' | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref name="31stSAG">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/sag-awards-nominations-2025-1236249911/|title=SAG Awards Nominations: 'Wicked' & 'A Complete Unknown' Lead Film Field; 'Shōgun' Tops TV|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 8, 2025|access-date=January 8, 2025|first1=Patrich|last1=Hipes|first2=Erik|last2=Pedersen|archive-date=January 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108161122/https://deadline.com/2025/01/sag-awards-nominations-2025-1236249911/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Toronto Film Critics Association | February 24, 2025 | Outstanding Supporting Performance | Denzel Washington | {{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nickel-boys-best-picture-2024-toronto-film-critics-association-1236087577/ |title='Nickel Boys' Named Best Picture of 2024 by Toronto Film Critics Association |first=Etan |last=Vlessing |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216162507/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nickel-boys-best-picture-2024-toronto-film-critics-association-1236087577/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Academy Awards | March 2, 2025 | Best Costume Design | Janty Yates and Dave Crossman | {{nom}} | align="center" rowspan="1"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2025 |title=97th Oscar Nominees Announced |work=Oscars.org|date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>

==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 was 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'' would 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=November 24, 2024 |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> In August 2025, Scott revealed that the film was in progress.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pelley |first=Rich |date=August 28, 2025 |title=‘I turned down $20m to do Terminator 3. I can’t be bought, dude’: Ridley Scott on directing, Daleks and ... cherry jam |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/28/i-turned-down-20m-to-do-terminator-3-i-cant-be-bought-dude-ridley-scott-on-directing-daleks-and-cherry-jam |access-date=March 21, 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Book== On March 18, 2025, the behind-the-scenes book ''Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film'' was published by Abrams Books, written by John Walsh and containing new interviews, photos and other materials from the film. This large-format 224 coffee table art book was licensed by the film's rights holder Paramount Pictures.<ref>{{cite book |last=Walsh |first=John |title=Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film |url=https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/gladiator-ii-the-art-and-making-of-the-ridley-scott-film_9781419780165/ |publisher=Abrahms |isbn=978-1-4197-8016-5 }}</ref>

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

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

{{Ridley Scott}} {{Portal bar|Ancient Rome|Christianity|Film|United Kingdom|United States}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Gladiator (2000 film) Category:2024 action drama films Category:2024 American films Category:2024 British films Category:2024 English-language films Category:2020s historical drama films Category:2024 historical films Category:American action drama films Category:American epic films Category:American films about revenge Category:American historical drama films Category:American IMAX films Category:American sequel films Category:British action drama films Category:British epic films Category:British films about revenge Category:British historical drama films Category:British IMAX films Category:British sequel films Category:Cultural depictions of Lucilla Category:Films affected by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike Category:Films directed by Ridley Scott Category:Films produced by Ridley Scott Category:Films produced by Douglas Wick Category:Films produced by Lucy Fisher Category:Films scored by Harry Gregson-Williams Category:Films set in 2nd-century Roman Empire Category:Films set in 3rd-century Roman Empire Category:Films shot in Malta Category:Films shot in Ouarzazate Category:Films shot in the United Kingdom Category:Films with screenplays by David Scarpa Category:Films with screenplays by Peter Craig Category:Historical epic films Category:Scott Free Productions films Category:Paramount Pictures films Category:2020s historical action films Category:American historical action films Category:British historical action films Category:English-language historical drama films Category:English-language action drama films Category:4DX films Category:ScreenX films Category:Dolby Cinema films