Everything to know about the cast of Gladiator I and Gladiator II
In the year 2000, the world was introduced to Gladiator.
The film brought us some huge breakout stars, a few iconic lines, and built a devoted fanbase.
For years fans have been begging director Ridley Scott for more, anything really. Whether it be a sequel, prequel, or any other return to the world he first created.
And now, 24 years later, Scott has finally answered. From today, November 14, Gladiator II will be available for viewing in Australian cinemas.
The story is said to be a continuation of the original film, set around 20 years later.
While there are some stars returning, the film mostly will welcome a new cast of Hollywood's greatest to battle it out in the colosseum.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cast from the original and the upcoming film.
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Russell Crowe: Gladiator
Russell Crowe was the breakout star of the original film, but turns out he wasn't a huge fan himself.
In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Crowe reminisced on his thoughts when he first received the script.
"At the core of what we were doing was a great concept, but the script, it was rubbish. Absolute rubbish," he said, adding that there were only 21 pages that both he and Scott could agree on.
He shared that he even considered quitting the film and flying home.
Eventually, he came around after working closely with Scott to refine the story, but his co-star, Connie Nielsen, said she couldn't forget his disdain for the original script.
"I remember Russell feeling like that," she told Vanity Fair in 2024 when asked if she recalled any of it. "I remember that he definitely had some thoughts and feelings."
Russell Crowe: Now
Outside of the spotlight, Russell Crowe lives a quiet life here in Australia.
He recently shocked fans though when he made an out of character appearance at the Giorgio Armani show at Paris Fashion Week.
Paul Mescal: Gladiator II
Paul Mescal stars in Gladiator II as a grown up version of Lucius, a character from the original film, but the process to get the role was a lot simpler than you'd think.
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Mescal revealed that it was actually the thing that kids teased him about in school that helped him secure the role.
Paul Mescal: Gladiator II
"My nose just is kind of Roman," he told the publication. "So it's useful in this context.
"The nose that I absolutely hated when I was in secondary school – and used to get ribbed for – became very, very useful when Ridley needed somebody to be in Gladiator II."
He went on to explain that he didn't even have to audition for the role, director Scott reached out after seeing Mescal starring in the hit TV series Normal People.
Scott said that he could see Mescal being as big as Russel Crowe from the original film, giving him the role without even a screentest.
"He was a special find," Scott told Vanity Fair. "He was absolutely perfect."
Paul Mescal: Now
In real life, Mescal is regarded as one of Hollywood's young up and comers.
He got his big break starring as Connel in Normal People and has since gone on to have roles in projects such as All Of Us Strangers and Aftersun.
He's also become somewhat of a fashion icon, known for rocking a pair of short shorts.
Spencer Treat Clark: Gladiator
Spencer Treat Clark appeared in the original Gladiator film when he was just a child, starring as Lucius, the young version of Paul Mescal's character.
The upcoming film takes place around 20 years after the original, making Clark seem like the logical choice to play the grown version of his original character.
However, even though the actor is now 36-years-old, he still has quite the young face, making him not exactly what Scott was looking for for the film.
Spencer Treat Clark: Now
Since his role in the original film, Clark has taken a step back from the spotlight.
However he has still appeared in projects here and there, such as Unbreakable, Animal Kingdom, and Glass.
Connie Nielsen: Gladiator
Connie Nielsen appeared as Lucilla, Lucius' mum in Gladiator.
She's one of the very few stars reprising her role in the upcoming film.
Connie Nielsen: Gladiator II
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Nielson said her character sees a very different story play out in the sequel.
Where her son was just a child in the first one, he's now fully grown, and grappling with some mixed emotions toward his mum.
"There is an authoritarian power that is parading as if it were still somehow the vestiges of a Republican government," she said.
"Inside of this travesty are human beings who are caught in this gamesmanship and power.
"That is what I find always so interesting in Ridley's stories. He's really showing the effect of power on people and what happens in a place where power is unrestrained."
