Look at the world right now. You’ll see intense violence and shady moves in politics everywhere. Just last week, in one day, the U.S. and Germany’s political worlds nearly flipped upside down. It sent shockwaves through other countries, too. What happens next? Nobody knows. But here’s the thing: this isn’t new. In ancient Rome, the same power games ruled. Emperors, senators, generals—all clashing to take and secure power. And that’s exactly what Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II dives into.
Scott blew us away with Gladiator 24 years ago. The film won five Oscars, including one for Russell Crowe. He played Maximus, a Roman general-turned-gladiator, with pure heart and grit. Crowe showed us why Maximus became such a fierce fighter.
THE STORY OF GLADIATOR II
So, 24 years later, what’s next? Without spoiling too much, Gladiator II goes back to Rome still in chaos. Maximus’ vision of peace and honor? Forgotten. Now, the city is controlled by a ruthless set of twins who rule through violent games and twisted power.
General Marcus Acacius fights for Rome but feels worn down. He’s tired of pointless killing, of young lives wasted for the amusement of mad emperors. His latest mission seals his fate—and someone else’s.
During a battle against Numidia, Marcus’ soldiers take prisoners, including a leader named Hanno.
Hanno’s journey pulls him back to his home, Rome, but not to his family—straight to the Colosseum. We won’t spoil his true identity, but he’s key to Rome’s future and Gladiator II’s story.
GLADIATOR II: CHARACTERS & CAST
HANNO A.K.A. PAUL MESCAL
The soldier-turned-gladiator is played by Irish actor Paul Mescal. He earned a BAFTA TV Award for his role in the miniseries Normal People (2020) and received several other nominations. Critics also praised his performances in All of Us Strangers (2023) and the Broadway play A Streetcar Named Desire. Now, as a gladiator, the young Irishman faces brutal battles in the Roman arena. How did he fare? We’ll reveal more in the conclusion.
MARCUS ACACIUS A.K.A. PEDRO PASCAL
The ultra-charismatic Pedro Pascal brings Marcus Acacius to life, making it totally believable that he’s a worn-out tribune of war. Since 1996, Pedro has captivated us in countless films, TV series, and theater productions. Just a few highlights include The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), and The Equalizer 2 (2018), where he already teamed up with Denzel Washington. And since 2019, he’s also been hiding behind the iconic helmet in The Mandalorian.
LUCILLA A.K.A. CONNIE NIELSEN
Marcus Aurelius’ daughter Lucilla sacrificed her life for Rome. Even though the gladiator Maximus freed Rome from the tyranny of Emperor Commodus (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix back then), Lucilla knew her son, Lucius Verus, was still at risk. The dream of peace and freedom was short-lived, so she made the heartbreaking decision to send her son far away, out of reach of the power-hungry and scheming politicians.
After 24 years, the stunning Danish actress Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla. You might also know her as the Amazonian Queen in Wonder Woman (2017), her intense role in Nymphomaniac (2013), or her performance alongside Kevin Costner and Hailee Steinfeld in 3 Days to Kill (2014). At nearly 60, she proves that age is truly just a number, bringing us deep into the emotional world of a mother who sacrificed closeness with her son to keep him safe.
MACRINUS A.K.A. DENZEL WASHINGTON
Macrinus is the counterpart to gladiator trainer and trader Antonius Proximo, played by Oliver Reed in the original film. Unlike Proximo—himself a former gladiator who respected his hardened fighters far more than the corrupt Roman Senate—Macrinus sees his fighters merely as tools for his own rise to power. His goal is to gain influence over the Senate, and with a charming smile, he’s willing to leave a trail of bodies in his wake. Human life means nothing to him; what matters is power and glory.
The power-hungry gladiator manager is brought to life by Denzel Washington, who, for a change, steps into a morally complex role and seems to be thoroughly enjoying it.
EMPERORS GETA & CARACALLA A.K.A. JOSEPH QUINN & FRED HECHINGER
The twin brothers Geta and Caracalla live lives of pure excess. Their motto? “After us, the flood.” Real emotions are foreign to them, and their escapades are almost a parody of today’s arrogant celebrity duos, like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. But they’ll soon learn that politics isn’t a party and that carelessness comes with serious consequences.
English actor Joseph Quinn, known for his roles in Stranger Things Season 4 (2022), Howards End (2017), Les Misérables (2018), and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024), plays one of the twins. The other is portrayed by New Yorker Fred Hechinger, who you might recognize from The Woman in the Window (2021) or the miniseries Pam & Tommy (2022).
ARISHAT A.K.A. YUVAL GONEN
Arishat is Hanno’s wife, and he loves her more than anything. But Arishat is also a warrior—a skilled archer who fights fiercely in the battle for Numidia.
This courageous character is portrayed by the stunning Israeli actress Yuval Gonen, who is also the founder of Sattva Sophia. With a B.A. in Philosophy, she brings depth to her role, showing that a beautiful woman can inspire others rather than simply influence them.
THE GLADIATOR II CONCLUSION
When I heard about the release of Gladiator II, I was very skeptical. How could it top the original? Gladiator had it all—strong characters, epic action, deep emotion, and even humor. It’s a classic I can watch over and over.
So, does Gladiator II live up to expectations? Go in with an open mind. The new movie brings stunning visuals, a powerful soundtrack, and memorable characters. Hans Zimmer didn’t do the music this time, but the score still hits hard, amplifying the action perfectly. However, while Paul Mescal nails the role of Hanno, he can’t bring the warmth and depth that Crowe did once.
But Ridley Scott’s vision shines again with stunning visuals and a story about betrayal, love, honor, loyalty, and more. He reminds us why freedom and justice matter. At 148 minutes, the film moves fast, keeping you locked into Rome’s ancient struggles and drawing parallels to today.
Our take? Gladiator II is a must-watch on the big screen, where its full epic scale comes to life. With fierce battles, unforgettable characters, and an emotional punch from start to finish, this blockbuster scores a solid 8 out of 10.
Text & Edit: Marco Kokkot, Images: Paramount Pictures
