Gladiator 2 reveals first look at Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal
Gladiator 2 has shared first-look photos of Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in the upcoming sequel.
Mescal plays Lucius, the youngest son of Lucilla, Connie Nielsen's noblewoman from the original 2000 movie. His character was teased in several new photos shared by Vanity Fair.
Additional photos show The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal in action as Roman general Acacius, with supporting cast members including Denzel Washington and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn.
Nielsen's return as Lucilla is also teased in the first-look photos, with the actor reprising her role in the sequel over two decades after the original.
Derek Jacobi (aka Senator Gracchus) is another star back for Ridley Scott's follow-up adventure, which lands in UK cinemas on November 15 – a whole week earlier than its originally-planned November 22 release date.
Washington, playing a former slave turned wealthy merchant, is decked out in gold in another still, while Quinn dons a wig to play co-emperor Caracalla.
We also have a first look at Fred Hechinger, who plays co-emperor Geta. Hechinger replaced Barry Keoghan after the Saltburn actor had scheduling conflicts.
Gladiator 2 sees the action skip forward a few decades with Lucius (Mescal) now of age and estranged from his mother Lucilla (Nielson).
According to Vanity Fair, Lucius is sent away to the North African region of Numidia as a child, far away from the Roman Empire.
The film begins in Numidia, with Lucius enjoying a relatively easy life with his wife and child. This peace is swiftly shattered as the Romans continue their descent in North Africa, with conquerors from his homeland encroaching – one being Pascal's Acacius.
According to Mescal, Gladiator 2 will explore "what human beings will do to survive, but also what human beings will do to win".
"We see that in the arena, but also in the political struggle that’s going on outside of my character’s storyline, where you see there’s other characters striving and pulling for power," he continued.
"Where’s the space for humanity? Where’s the space for love, familial connection? And ultimately, will those things overcome this kind of greed and power? Those things are oftentimes directly in conflict with each other."
Gladiator 2 will be released in UK cinemas on November 15.
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