The romanticism of Mediterranean history (and sometimes brutality) is a well-known cinematic trope in Hollywood. With literary roots dating back to the 1770s, it functions as a means to place focus on highlighting individuality and rebellion against societal traditions rather than the glorification of war it is somewhat famed for today. In literary works, theatrical plays, and on the silver screen, the leading protagonists are presented as ‘heroes’ fighting for a cause greater than themselves using a dramatic blend of suspense and tension to translate their personal struggles and valor into compelling narratives.

Similarly, the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington sees the modern-day retelling of Roman gladiators and their historic battles to the death. During its heyday between the first century BC and the second century AD, this popular form of entertainment during the Roman Empire has gone beyond its grueling history (and even further from historical accuracy) to inspire an action-packed Hollywood blockbuster. Written by renowned screenwriters David Scarpa and Peter Craig and directed by Sir Ridley Scott, the historical drama film returns to the Colosseum 24 years after the award-winning original movie.

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Irish actor Paul Mescal takes on the role of the grown-up Lucius that Spencer Treat Clark portrayed in the 2000 movie as a child. The character was the the son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen and nephew to the first film’s villain, Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix who was shipped off to Africa to escape from the grueling life in Rome. The new storyline picks up years later, answering the questions of what happened after Russell Crowe’s Maximus character dies at the hands of Commodus in their final duel.

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Pedro Pascal plays the character of General Marcus Acacias, who once served under Crowe’s character General Maximus, alongside the powerful and devious Macrinus, who is portrayed by Denzel Washington. The duo forces Lucius into slavery. Paul Mescal steps into Crowe’s gladiator sandals, inspired by Maximus’ bravery and gearing up for his return as a gladiator to challenge the rule of Emperors Caracalla and Greta, played by Connie Neilsen and Fred Hechinger.

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The action-packed trailer appeared just as epic as the original, showing dramatic displays of swords, horses and blood-stained fighters, Lucius’ gruelling journey from prisoner to gladiator. The three-minute trailer ends with a riveting cliffhanger with Mescal and Pascal battling in the arena, with the gladiator holding two swords crossed over the army general’s neck.

The sequel is set to hit the theatres on 22 November later this year, sharing the same premier date as the eagerly anticipated Wicked movie starring major stars like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum among others. The timely release of the two movies is predicted to stimulate another “Barbenheimer” marketing drive, a trend previously created by social media users that was successful in stirring up significant publicity for both movies.

While yes, some may argue that the Gladiator movies are romanticising one (albeit bloody) element of Mediterranean history, the movie’s cinematic imagery aims to convey a deeper message than what meets the eye. For the new Gladiator II movie, expect to see action-packed drama, a star-studded cast and most of all, appreciation for human strength, dedication and artistry.

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