A quick recap of 'Gladiator' before Part 2 hits theaters
The original Gladiator film, directed by Ridley Scott, was released nearly 25 years ago and became a cultural phenomenon in no time. The film starred Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, both of whom received Oscar nominations for their roles. The plot revolved around Crowe's character Maximus who seeks revenge after being demoted by the corrupt new Emperor Commodus (Phoenix). As Gladiator II prepares to hit theaters this Friday, here's everything you need to remember.
The rise and fall of Maximus in 'Gladiator'
The film opens in 180 AD, where we meet Crowe's Maximus as a revered Roman general who has just delivered another important victory to the Roman army. Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus he is his favorite successor, with a responsibility to restore the Roman Republic. But Commodus (Phoenix)—the power-hungry son of Aurelius—secretly kills his father and takes the throne, arresting Maximus when he refuses to pledge loyalty to him.
Maximus's transformation into a gladiator
After Commodus seizes power, he makes sure Maximus's wife and son are murdered. This sets Maximus on a path of revenge. He is sold to the infamous Gladiator trainer Proximo (Oliver Reed) by slave traders who find him collapsed from grief and injuries. His skills from years of combat see him become an indomitable gladiator who wins support among spectators, while also finding an ally in Juba (Djimon Hounsou), an African gladiator from Carthage.
The climactic duel and Maximus's legacy
Hoping to win back public approval with a victory, Commodus challenges Maximus to a duel in the Colosseum. Despite being stabbed by Commodus before the duel, Maximus wins the fight and kills the emperor. Unfortunately, he succumbs to his wounds but not before demanding political reforms and imagining reuniting with his wife and son in the afterlife.
'Gladiator 2' picks up 16 years after the original
Set some 16 years after the original film, Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal's character Lucius, Lucilla's son from the first film. It is revealed that Lucius is actually Maximus's son, a fact hinted at in the first film but never confirmed until a trailer for Gladiator 2. Lucilla was Maximus's former lover and Aurelius's daughter. The sequel also sees Connie Nielsen reprising her role as Lucilla and Derek Jacobi returning briefly as Senator Gracchus.
