
Gladiator II (2024)
Director: Ridley Scott
Screenplay: David Scarpa; story by Peter Craig, David Scarpa based on characters created by David Franzoni
Stars: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas, Alexander Karim, Tim McInnerny, Alec Utgoff, Riana Duce and Rory McCann.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
It’s been sixteen years since the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, known as the last of the Five Good Emperors. Rome is now ruled by the twin brothers Geta (Quinn) and Caracalla (Hechinger). The twin Emperors care nothing for their subjects. Geta and Caracalla crave power and look to control the world. To that end they sent the great General Acacius (Pascal) to conquer lands in their honor. When Acacius returns victorious, the twin Emperors host on-going gladiatorial games to celebrate.
General Acacius has seen too many soldiers die for no reason other than the demands of the Emperor twins. The Roman people suffer and Acacius plans to return Rome to the people. In ten days his soldiers will march into the city and Acacius will lead the revolt. What Acacius doesn’t see coming is a betrayal.
Macrinus (Washington) also sees the time of the twins rule is coming to an end. Macrinus believes that he can make moves behind the scenes to put himself in power. He buys a young gladiator named Hanno (Mescal). Macrinus plans to use Hanno’s abilities in the arena to make him a for the people. Meanwhile Macrinus will become close friends with the twins. When the time is right, Macrinus will have the twins killed and assume control.
As each faction moves to take control of the throne, the twins learn of the deception. Many will die and Rome may never recover.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Gladiator 2 was nominated for one Academy Award…
- 2025 Nominee – Best Achievement in Costume Design: Janty Yates, David Crossman
If you’ve seen Gladiator, you’ve seen Gladiator II is a snarky kind of take. But truthfully, it’s not too far off. Both movies hit the same beats. The good news it that the story, cast, direction and special effects are entertaining.
Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal own their scenes. I’m surprised that Denzel wasn’t nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. (This is the first time he hasn’t been the leading man in a film since Antwone Fisher.)
Some folks were upset that this film makes it appear that Maximus (Crowe) from Gladiator, (supposedly) cheated on his wife since he is the father of Hanno. Granted, if that’s the case, it does tarnish the character. My bigger nit to pick is that Lucilla, who was unlikable in the first film, has done a 180.
Ah, but why complain when we have gladiators fighting: gladiators, baboons, rhinos, sea battles, sharks and more. “Are we not entertained?”
Why, yes, yes we are.
Gladiator II (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

