Gladiator II shares some understandable connections with the acclaimed original movie, yet for all the similarities in story, Denzel Washington’s sequel character will be a huge point of difference. The Gladiator II trailer has already laid plain the movie’s revenge arc, creating clear parallels with Maximus’ journey. Beyond this, however, the sequel is painting a very different picture of Ancient Rome – full of betrayal, ambition, and intrigue, and with Denzel Washington’s Macrinus at its heart.
Although some crucial story elements remain unclear, the Gladiator II trailer has confirmed that the movie will focus on Lucius (Paul Mescal) and his mission for redemption in the arena. Just like Maximus in the first Gladiator, Lucius will find himself forced into slavery, fighting a bitter battle for survival while simultaneously awaiting his moment to exact vengeance on the man who wronged him (Pedro Pascal). Behind this narrative is Macrinus, who acts as a mentor figure while Lucius fights for revenge. It is because of this role that, for all the familiar story beats, Gladiator II will actually be markedly different.
