After 24 years of absence, Gladiator will return to the big screen with its highly anticipated sequel and a high-caliber cast. Paul Mescal will lead the story, alongside an iconic star from the franchise.

The story will follow a grown-up Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who has been living in the desert without any connection to his mother, who believes he might be dead. However, everything changes when fate comes knocking at his door.

Ridley Scott will return to direct the new movie, which is scripted by David Scarpa and will premiere in theaters on November 22 of this year. Meanwhile, check out who will be returning for this epic saga…

Which Gladiator stars are returning for the sequel?

After the successful cast was announced, which is packed with current celebrities and industry icons, many fans have once again raised the bar and expectations, especially due to the actress returning for the sequel.

Connie Nielsen in Gladiator. (Source: IMDb)

Connie Nielsen in Gladiator. (Source: IMDb)

It has been confirmed that Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla. It is estimated that she will have a significant role again, as she is the mother of the main character in the story, Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal.

She is the only figure from the original movie returning for the sequel, so we cannot expect any other secret cameos (or at least that’s as far as we know). Therefore, the appearance of other stars is ruled out.

Who are the cast members of Gladiator 2?

In addition to Connie Nielsen and Paul Mescal, the cast is composed of great talents and names that have resonated strongly between 2022 and 2024. One of them is Pedro Pascal, who will have an important role in the story.

It is not yet known what his character’s name is or whom he will portray exactly, but it has been confirmed that he will bring to life a Roman general forced to become a gladiator, who crosses paths with Lucius.

Paul Mescal is seen at Gucci Ancora during Milan Fashion week — Pedro Pascal attends the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. (Source: Stefania M. D’Alessandro/Getty Images for Gucci — Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Paul Mescal is seen at Gucci Ancora during Milan Fashion week — Pedro Pascal attends the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. (Source: Stefania M. D’Alessandro/Getty Images for Gucci — Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

One of the eagerly awaited appearances is that of Denzel Washington, who takes on the role of an arms and commodities dealer harboring resentment against the emperors, whose name is still unknown.

On the other hand, the sequel will also feature Joseph Quinn as the co-emperor Caracalla, and Fred Hechinger, who will portray the co-emperor Geta, a role originally intended for Barry Keoghan.

The list of talent is quite extensive, and in addition to all those celebrities, the rest of the characters will be portrayed by Tim McInnerny, Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, May Calamawy, Peter Mensah and Riana Duce, among others.