First Look at Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and More in ‘Gladiator II’

Vanity Fair Unveils First Images of Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in ‘Gladiator II’, Ridley Scott’s Highly Anticipated Sequel

Vanity Fair has released exclusive images of Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, Gladiator II. This sequel takes place several decades after the events of the 2000 original and features Mescal as Lucius Verus, the son of the former co-emperor. After 15 years of peace in Numidia with his family, Lucius is captured by Roman soldiers led by Marcus Acacius, portrayed by Pascal, and is forced into slavery.

The narrative follows Lucius as he fights as a gladiator, aiming to liberate the Empire from the “sadistic” rule of Emperor Caracalla, played by Fred Hechinger, and Emperor Geta, portrayed by Joseph Quinn. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Mescal described Gladiator II as a film about “what humans will do to survive, but also what they will do to win.” He emphasized the exploration of survival, political struggle, and the conflict between humanity and greed.

Joining Mescal and Pascal in the star-studded cast are Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Derek Jacobi. With an impressive ensemble and Ridley Scott’s direction, Gladiator II promises to be a gripping tale of power, love, and survival. The film is set to premiere in theaters this November.