“Gladiator 2“ Gets First Look Photos

The first look photos of the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2000 historic epic movie “Gladiator“ have been released.                                                            

Leading the historical epic is Paul Mescal, who landed the plum part of Lucius, the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus, as his ascent to A-list stardom continues.

The sequel was announced in 2018 and sees filmmaker Ridley Scott returning as director to the follow-up of his war movie.

Scott is also set to produce the project along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss and Red Wagon Entertainment’s Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher. David Scarpa wrote the screenplay. Paramount will produce the movie.

Universal, which backed the first movie along with DreamWorks, has the right to co-produce the movie once it has been set up.

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"Gladiator 2" is described by producers as a “legitimate” follow-up. It is scripted by Peter Craig and will take place in a 25-30 year time jump.

The sequel follows Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) in the original. The role was played by Spencer Treat Clark in the 2000 movie.

The sequel also stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn. Also reprising his role from the first movie will be Derek Jacobi, who played Senator Gracchus.

Russell Crowe, who headlined the first “Gladiator,” isn’t in the sequel as his character dies in the first movie.

The first movie was a massive hit and won an Oscar for best picture.

Scott has previously shared more of the role played by Mescal.

"He’s playing Lucius," Scott told Rotten Tomatoes. The director recalls Lucius was around “12 years old” when we last saw him, and for 15 years, “he’s been out in the wilderness and has lost touch with his mother. His mother lost touch with him. She doesn’t know where he is. She thinks he might be dead."

Paramount Pictures is distributing the sequel to “Gladiator” globally. The sequel will open on November 22.