"A DeMille Powered: Behind-the-Scenes Images from Gladiator 2 Anticipate Epic and Unrestrained Action"
Denzel Washington describes Gladiator 2 as an amplified and powerful version of Cecil B. DeMille's style in a new behind-the-scenes video.
Ridley Scott returns to the world of Gladiator with the premiere of the highly anticipated sequel, Gladiator 2, nearly twenty-five years after the release of the original film. Although Scott did not win the Oscar for Best Director for the original work, he did win for Best Picture, and Russell Crowe was recognized as Best Actor. In a new behind-the-scenes video, the director shows his preference for traditional filming techniques and practical sets.
Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, describes this sequel as "the biggest movie I have worked on. It's massive. Like Cecil B. DeMille, but on steroids." Washington refers to the legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, known for his epic productions from the silent film era to the 1950s. The scale of Gladiator 2 is comparable to DeMille's works, but taken to an even higher level.
The video also hints at the film's plot, where Paul Mescal plays Lucius Verus, who was previously portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in his childhood. Lucius has been away from Rome for two decades, living a quiet life and starting a family. However, his idyllic life is disrupted when his adopted land is conquered by Rome and he is captured and taken back to the city as a slave.
Washington's character, Macrinus, plans to use Lucius and other gladiators to overthrow the corrupt Roman emperors, Geta and Caracalla, played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, respectively. However, Lucius and his new allies must survive long enough to seek revenge. The video shows that the gladiators will face floods, wild animals, and each other, but only a few will have the chance to achieve glory in the arena.
Pedro Pascal, known for his role in The Last of Us, is also part of the cast as Marcus Acacius, the man who enslaves Lucius and conquers his land. Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, Lucius's mother, and Derek Jacobi reprises his role as Senator Gracchus. Gladiator 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 22.
