Who’s who in the epic action sequel?

The first trailer for Gladiator 2 was released on Tuesday and audiences are eagerly awaiting November 22nd, when Ridley Scott’s sequel hits theaters at Paramount Pictures.

The expected movie stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the nephew of the original film Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and son of Lucille (Connie Nielsen), who, like the hero of this project, Maximus (Russell Crowe), has to fight for his life in the Colosseum.

For more information on his character and the rest of the cast, which includes both returning characters and new faces, check out our complete Gladiator II cast and character guide.

Paul Mescal as Lucius

Oscar nominee Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the nephew of former Emperor Commodus and son of Lucilla, although he is unaware of his royal lineage. In the 2000 film, Lucius was played by Spencer Treat Clark and here a fateful turn of events leads to him becoming a gladiator, like his childhood hero Maximus. As he says in the trailer, “I never forgot it – that a slave could take revenge on an emperor.”

Mescal’s other projects include the moving drama “All of Us Strangers” (2023) with Andrew Scott and the Hulu series “Normal People”.

Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a ruler in Rome who wants to overthrow the current rulers. As we learned in the trailer, he sees Lucius as his “weapon” to defeat Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), the Roman general who was trained under Maximus.

In 2022, Washington became the most nominated Black actor of all time after receiving his 10th Oscar nomination. In addition to his award-winning performances in “Training Day” and “Glory,” he was also nominated for “Malcolm X,” “Cry Freedom,” “The Hurricane,” “Flight,” “Fences,” “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius

Pedro Pascal, star of The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, plays one of the film’s main villains, General Marcus Acacius. He eventually faces Lucius in the arena, which appears to be Macrinus’ plan.

Pascal previously played Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones” and Javier Peña in “Narcos.” His film credits include “Wonder Woman 1984,” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” and Pedro Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life,” opposite Ethan Hawke.

Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta

Joseph Quinn plays the ruthless Emperor Geta, who rules Rome, alongside Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). He is best known for his leading roles in Stranger Things and A Quiet Place: Day One and is set to play Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in the upcoming Fantastic Four film.

Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla

Fred Hechinger’s previous roles include “Thelma,” “Fear Street: Part One,” “The Woman in the Window,” and Season 1 of HBO’s “The White Lotus.” He can also be seen in the upcoming series “Kraven the Hunter,” playing Emperor Caracalla, who shares power with Quinn’s Emperor Geta.

Connie Nielsen as Lucilla

Conne Nielsen returns to Gladiator to reprise her role as Lucilla, who in the first film sought to help her former lover Maximus overthrow her brother Commodus. In a key scene in the trailer, she gives her son Lucius (Mescal) a ring that once belonged to Maximus. The actress’ other film credits include Wonder Woman, Nobody and Origin.

Djimon Hounsou as Juba

Djimon Hounsou returns to play Maximus’ ally Juba. Since the first Gladiator, the actor has appeared in Constantine, Blood Diamond, A Quiet Place Part II, and Zack Snyder’s Netflix film Rebel Moon.

Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus

British actor Derek Jacobi plays Senator Gracchus again in Gladiator II. In the first film, he plotted with Maximus and Lucilla to overthrow Commodus. The actor’s numerous other films include Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, Henry V and Dead Again, as well as Gosford Park and the television series Good Omens and The Sandman.

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