Summary
Gladiator 2’s new set photos seemingly confirm that Paul Mescal’s costume is honoring Russell Crowe’s legacy in one significant way. Even thoughGladiatoris being released over two decades after the first film, it serves as its direct sequel. Owing to this, it is bound to have several references and callbacks to the original film. While it will have its own standalone narrative, it seems likely theRidley Scott historical moviewill expand the original movie’s narrative in more ways than one.
Since Russell Crowe’s character,Maximus, dies inGladiator’s endingarc, the actor could not possibly have reprised his role inGladiator 2. However, that does not meanGladiator 2will not pay homage to his character and legacy from the first film. Interestingly, new photos fromGladiator 2’s sets reveal Paul Mescal’s Lucius' costume design from a battle scene is doing exactly that, seemingly reminding audiences of how the events of the original film will influence the sequel.
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Paul Mescal’s Lucius Is Clearly Inspired By Russell Crowe’s Maximus In Gladiator 2
Lucius' Armor Seems Similar To Maximus'
As the new set images (viaDaily Mail) forGladiator 2confirm, Paul Mescal’s Lucius strongly resembles Russell Crowe’s Maximus from the firstGladiatormovie,primarily because he sports similarly styled armor. A closer look at the picture also reveals he has stains of blood on his face, reminding one of the raw intensity with which Russell Crowe’s Maximus carried himself during battles before overpowering his opponents. With so many striking similarities between Paul Mescal’s Lucius and Russell Crowe’s Maximus, it is hard not to believe that Lucius is inspired by the first movie’s character.
InGladiator 2, Lucius probably channels his inner warrior during combat by recalling Maximus, explaining why he wears similar armor.
From a narrative standpoint, this would make a lot of sense. 2000’sGladiatorfeatures a brief scene in which Lucius approaches Maximus and tells him he likes him. Before he gets escorted away, Lucius tells Maximus that he will cheer him on, clearly indicating that he looks up to him. As the scene suggests, Lucius also later watches Maximus from the crowd and likely feels even more inspired by acts of bravery and heroism. InGladiator 2, Lucius probably channels his inner warrior during combat by recalling Maximus, explaining why he wears similar armor.
What Lucius' Parallels To Maximus Reveal About Gladiator 2’s Story
Lucius' Journey Will Likely Be Similar To Maximus'
AlthoughGladiator 2’s plot details are still shrouded in mystery, the parallels between Lucius and Maximus' appearance hint that the film will feature many narrative similarities between the two characters. Although Lucius comes from a place of wealth and holds a high status in the Roman Empire’s hierarchy,he will likely lose it all in the movie’s opening arc, like Maximus. This fall from grace will force him to remember Maximus' legacy, uplifting him to fight his way to the top.
However, since these parallels would make the twoGladiatormovies seem too narratively similar, it would be interesting to see howGladiator 2will give Lucius a distinct identity. How the film will achieve the perfect balance between honoring its predecessor and etching its own place is yet to be seen. But the similarities between Lucius and Maximus prove thatGladiator 2is on the right path towards being as epic as the original film.
Gladiator II
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
