In the increasingly ancient and remote spring of 2000, movie theaters worldwide were ushering in a cultural phenomenon that came to be known as “the ‘Gladiator‘ effect.” Ridley Scott‘s historical epic revitalized public interest in the long-gone civilizations of Rome, Greece, and Egypt, and re-tellings of all kinds quickly took up a new corner of books, shows, and films. Now, 19 years following the original’s release, talk of a sequel are still making the rounds. And thanks to the producers on the film, we have an idea of what time-period “Gladiator 2” will take place in.
The film was a startling international success, grossing $457 million worldwide and winning 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Rumors of a sequel – or possibly a prequel – began to spread shortly after the completion of the first film and have reignited several times through the years. It was not until November 2018, however, that Paramount Pictures confirmed a sequel was in development. Returning producers Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes revealed at the “Men in Black: International” press tour that the second installment will feature a significant time jump.
“It picks up the story 30 years later… 25 years later,” said Parkes.
The first film featured Russell Crowe as the Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, the son of the emperor and Maximus’ cruel rival. When Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) picks the general as his heir instead of his son, the betrayed heir murders both his father and Maximus’ family. The former war hero, now a slave, must fight for his life – and his revenge – in the Roman Gladiatorial games.
Already, much speculation has arisen around the protagonist of the new film. Crowe’s character Maximus (pause here for a 19-year-old spoiler alert) takes his final bow from the gladiator (and earthly) stage. Though the subject and synopsis of the sequel have not been released yet, early updates believe it may follow Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus.
Lucius, played by Spencer Treat Clark in the 2000 film, was only 13 when it premiered. Whether Clark or any of the original cast members will reprise their roles is unconfirmed, but in our era of reboots, nothing is impossible. What we do know is that Scott (“Thelma and Louise,” “Alien,” “Blade Runner“) is back at the helm with one of the top action writers of Hollywood: Peter Craig (“Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1; Part 2“). Will you be returning for another fight?