Gladiator 2brings some amazing news. After announcing the official return of Connie Nielsel as Lucille and addingStranger Thingsbreakstar Joseph Quinn to the cast, the sequel confirms the participation ofPedro Pascal, one of the actors of the moment in Hollywood.
Released in 2000,Gladiatorfollows Maximus (Russell Crowe), the most loyal and effective soldier of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), as he has led him from victory to victory. However, Comodo (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor’s son, is jealous of Maximus' success and even more so of his father’s relationship with him, filled with a love and respect never expressed to him.
When Comodo rises to power after the death of Marcus Aurelius, he orders the arrest of Maximus and his assassination. He manages to escape from his assassins, but he cannot prevent the death of his wife and son. Hiding his identity, he becomes a gladiator to carry out his revenge.
Gladiator 2will take place 30 years later, with the story of Lucio, son of Lucilla and grandson of Marcus Aurelius. The protagonist will have to deal with the havoc left by his uncle while he was in power.
The sequel will star Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Barry Keoghan, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn, who will be joined by Pascal as reported byDeadline. Djimon Hounsou, who was part of the original story, would also return as Juba, a friend of Maximus.
Gladiator 2will be directed again by Ridley Scott, and will begin filming in the coming months to hit theaters in November 2024.
Related:Russell Crowe Talks Scrapped Fantastical Idea for Gladiator 2: ‘He’s in Limbo, He’s Stuck Between Worlds’
Pedro Pascal’s Brilliant Present and Future
That the long-awaited production of Paramount Pictures includes Pedro Pascal is no coincidence. Despite the success achieved byGladiatorand the awards it won, presenting a sequel so many years later is a real risk. So the studio is betting on a long list of established actors to ensure success, and Pascal will be key in it.
After passing throughGame of Thrones, the Chilean’s career has only risen. But there is no doubt that it was the last few years that put him at the top of Hollywood. His starring role inThe Mandalorian, which recently wrapped its first season, made him a more than familiar face to fans of pop culture.
This year, the actor finished taking the definitive step towards stardom with his portrayal of Joel inThe Last of Us, possibly the most successful adaptation of a video game to the small screen. The show has already been renewed for a second installment, for which Pascal will return.
This year, the actor will star in Pedro Almodovar’snext film,Strange Way of Lifealong with Ethan Hawke, which will premiere at Cannes this month. He is also set to star in the upcoming seriesMy Dentist’s Murder Trial, joining David Harbour.
He’ll also be part of Ethan Coen’s first solo film, Drive-Away Dolls, which hits theaters in September. The cast also includes Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon.
