“Cecil B. DeMille on steroids:” Gladiator 2 BTS images tease wild, epic action

The original Gladiator marked a peak in director Ridley Scott’s career. Although Scott didn’t win the Academy Award for Best Director, he did win for Best Picture, while Russell Crowe was named Best Actor. Nearly a quarter of a century passed between the first film and its sequel, Gladiator 2. And in a new behind-the-scenes video from the film, Scott demonstrates that he still favors old-school filmmaking methods and practical sets.

Denzel Washington, who has starred in several blockbusters, describes the sequel as “the biggest movie I’ve ever been in.” It’s huge. Cecil B. DeMille on steroids. The actor is referring to legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, who made epic films throughout Hollywood’s silent film era into the 1950s, including his remake of The ten commandments. Gladiator 2The scale of is comparable to that of DeMille’s films, but taken to an even higher level.

The video also sets the stage for the film’s story, in which Paul Mescal reprises the role of Lucius Verus from Spencer Treat Clark, who played the character as a child in the original. Lucius has lived outside of Rome for two decades and has started his own family. However, his happy life ends when Lucius’ adopted homeland is conquered by Rome and he is brought back to the city as a slave.

Washington’s character Macrinus wants to use Lucius and other gladiators to bring down Rome’s corrupt emperors, Geta (Fantastic Four: first steps‘ Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). But first, Lucius and his new allies must live long enough to get their revenge. As the video shows, the gladiators battle floodwaters, wild animals and each other. But only a select few can live long enough to achieve glory in the arena.

The last of usPedro Pascal also stars in the film as Marcus Acacius, the man who enslaved Lucius and conquered his lands. Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucius’ mother, Lucilla, from the first Gladiator. Derek Jacobi also returns as a senator Gracchus.

Gladiator 2 will be released in theaters on November 22.