What does the movie get right and wrong?
Directed once again by Ridley Scott with a screenplay by David Scarpa, this much-anticipated sequel is set two decades after the original film and centers on an adult Lucius, who becomes enslaved and fights as a gladiator in the Colosseum. Paul Mescal, an Oscar-nominated actor, headlines the cast alongside Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger.
First, let’s start by analyzing a prominent location in the trailer: North Africa, which plays a crucial role in the story. In the first "Gladiator," Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, is sold into slavery in North Africa and reluctantly engages in local tournaments. The sequel mirrors this narrative as Lucius, residing in Numidia—a province along the North African coast—finds himself enslaved when General Marcus Acacius, played by Pascal, invades the region. Yet, the medieval-style architecture depicted in the trailer misrepresents the historical context of the setting, which should feature a more ancient style.
Another significant historical element in the trailer is the depiction of the Coliseum being flooded for naval reenactments. This practice was known as naumachia and it did occur in ancient Rome, where water-filled venues showcased naval battles. However, by the early 3rd century, the period in which "Gladiator 2" is set, such reenactments had ceased in the Coliseum.
This practice was known as naumachia and it did occur in ancient Rome, where water-filled venues showcased naval battles.
Additionally, the trailer includes a scene of a gladiator riding a rhinoceros, which of course was never a thing. Gladiator fights could be crazy but they were never that crazy. Nevertheless, rhinos, lions, and other wild beasts were killed in the arena, they just weren't ridden like horses.
As for the bad guys of the movie, Emperors Caracalla and Geta are depicted as deranged madmen in the style of Caligula or Nero. In reality, Geta was killed off by his brother, who ruled as sole Emperor. Carcalla was considered a tyrant and a no-nonsense soldier Emperor, and yet he is never described as unhinged.
Lastly the power broker Marcinus, depicted by Denzel Washington, was a Roman Emperor from North Africa. His involvement in gladiatorial contests is wholly fictional. Denzel’s character seems the least connected to his real-world namesake.
While Gladiator 2 draws from historical events, it takes plenty creative liberties to enhance its appeal as a blockbuster film.
Gladiator 2 is set to hit theaters on November 22.
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