Cast of Gladiator 2
Gladiator 2 continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Main Cast of Gladiator 2
Paul Mescal
Lucius
Pedro Pascal
Marcus Acacius
Denzel Washington
Macrinus
Connie Nielsen
Lucilla
Joseph Quinn
Emperor Geta
Fred Hechinger
Emperor Caracalla
Lior Raz
Viggo
Derek Jacobi
Senator Gracchus
Complete Cast of Gladiator 2
| Actor Name | Character Name | Role Description | Previous Gladiator Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mescal | Lucius Verus | Main protagonist, son of Lucilla | Character appeared as child in original |
| Pedro Pascal | Marcus Acacius | Roman general trained by Maximus | New character |
| Denzel Washington | Macrinus | Wealthy arms dealer and power broker | New character |
| Connie Nielsen | Lucilla | Lucius's mother, daughter of Marcus Aurelius | Returning from original |
| Joseph Quinn | Emperor Geta | Co-emperor of Rome | New character |
| Fred Hechinger | Emperor Caracalla | Co-emperor of Rome, Geta's brother | New character |
| Lior Raz | Viggo | Gladiator trainer | New character |
| Derek Jacobi | Senator Gracchus | Roman senator | Returning from original |
| Peter Mensah | Jugurtha | Gladiator | New character |
| Matt Lucas | Master of Ceremonies | Colosseum announcer | New character |
| May Calamawy | Undisclosed | Supporting role | New character |
About Gladiator 2
Gladiator 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 Academy Award-winning epic Gladiator. Directed once again by Ridley Scott, the film takes place approximately 20 years after the events of the original film. The story follows Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus and son of Lucilla, who was saved by Maximus in the first film.
The production features an all-star cast led by Paul Mescal, fresh off his Academy Award nomination for "Aftersun," taking on the lead role. The film also brings together Pedro Pascal, riding high on the success of "The Last of Us" and "The Mandalorian," and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in a pivotal role.
Production and Legacy
Gladiator 2 has been in development for over two decades, with various scripts and concepts explored before settling on the current story. The film was shot in multiple locations including Malta, Morocco, and the UK, utilizing both practical sets and cutting-edge visual effects to recreate Ancient Rome.
Connection to the Original
While Russell Crowe's Maximus won't return (having died in the original), the sequel maintains strong connections to the first film through returning characters Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi). The story explores the aftermath of Maximus's actions and how they shaped the next generation of Rome.
Related Cast Lists
About Gladiator II
Gladiator II is Ridley Scott's continuation of the 2000 historical epic. Set years after the events of the first film, it follows Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla, who is taken from his home and forced to fight in the Roman arena under the patronage of an arms dealer with political ambitions.
Connection to the first film
Gladiator II revisits familiar Roman institutions — the arena, the imperial court, the senate — with a new generation of characters at their centre. Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, providing a direct narrative link to the first film, while the rest of the cast plays new figures shaped by what happened to Maximus a generation earlier.
Casting
Paul Mescal plays Lucius, with Pedro Pascal as the general Acacius, Denzel Washington as Macrinus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as the co-emperors, and Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus. The casting blends a younger generation of leading actors with returning and established performers.
Production
Gladiator II was produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Ridley Scott returned to direct, with cinematography handled by John Mathieson, who shot the original film. The arena sequences mix practical builds with computer-generated set extensions and creature work, following the visual approach Scott has developed across his recent historical productions.
Where to watch
Gladiator II was released theatrically in late 2024 by Paramount. Following the standard theatrical window, the film is available on Paramount+ and through major digital storefronts.
Related cast pages
Viewers who liked Gladiator II often also look up the Oppenheimer cast, the The Last Kingdom cast, and the The Mandalorian cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Gladiator 2?
Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, Denzel Washington as Macrinus, and Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, among others.
Who plays Lucius in Gladiator 2?
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator 2.
How many actors are listed in the Gladiator 2 cast?
This page lists 8 main cast members, 8 in total.
Who directed Gladiator 2?
Gladiator 2 was directed by Ridley Scott.
When was Gladiator 2 released?
Gladiator 2 was released in 2024.
Which other titles share cast members with Gladiator 2?
Cast members from Gladiator 2 also appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Joseph Quinn and Pedro Pascal), The Last of Us (Pedro Pascal), and A Quiet Place: Day One (Joseph Quinn).