'Gladiator II's final runtime set at over 2 hours: Report
The highly-anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's Academy Award-winning film, Gladiator, is set to premiere on November 22 (in the US). Titled Gladiator II, the film features a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington. In an exclusive revelation by Feature First, the final runtime of this sequel has been confirmed as two hours and 21 minutes. This duration is notably shorter than its predecessor by 13 minutes.
'Gladiator II' plot and character details unveiled
Gladiator II centers around Lucius, portrayed by Mescal, who was once the heir to the Roman Empire but becomes a gladiator following an invasion of his home by the Roman army. The invading forces are commanded by General Marcus Acacius, played by Pascal. The narrative unfolds during the rule of co-emperors Caracalla and Geta, brought to life on screen by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger respectively.
Sequel takes place 2 decades after original 'Gladiator'
The sequel is set two decades after the original Gladiator, which chronicled the life of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a man who becomes a gladiator and ascends through the arena ranks with a burning desire for vengeance. The announcement of this sequel was made in 2018, with Mescal officially confirmed for the role of Lucius in 2023. Due to its shorter runtime, Gladiator II is expected to have a less complex plot compared to the first film.
'Gladiator II' serves as a significant milestone for cast
It's pertinent to note that Gladiator II also serves as an important career milestone for several cast members, particularly newcomers Mescal, Quinn, and May Calamawy. Mescal has previously received critical acclaim for his performances in Normal People and Aftersun. Quinn is recognized for his role as Eddie in Stranger Things, while Calamawy gained recognition through her portrayal of Layla in Marvel Studios's Moon Knight.
