It took a lot of effort to construct the vast worlds of ‘Gladiator II‘. Ridley Scott explains in an exclusive new feature, which can be watched below, that it all began with ensuring the screenplay was just right.

“Writing is the most important entity you can possibly have before beginning anything,” Scott said in the featurette. “When I started to think about a sequel, I met with David Scarpa and we sat and talked because I had certain parts in my head.” It’s understandable why Scott would choose Scarpa – the writer had also done “All the Money in the World” and “Napoleon” with the director. As Scarpa said in the featurette, “He said, essentially, ‘I’d like you to start writing Gladiator II.’ And, of course, I was really excited.”

You can learn in the feature how Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla became the heart of the movie, how they ensured that Russell Crowe’s Maximus was present without literally being a ghost, and how Denzel Washington’s Macrinus became the movie’s primary villain.

John Mathieson, the cinematographer, returned to the arena to assist in bringing Gladiator II to life. Get a glimpse of the film that features Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, and Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington by watching the latest Gladiator II feature.

Gladiator II maintains the epic tale of power, intrigue, and revenge set in Ancient Rome. Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after the Emperors conquer his home, years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle. Having a fiery heart and the Empire’s future at risk, Lucius has to examine his past to find strength and honor to restore the glory of Rome to its people.

Gladiator II is produced by Douglas Wick, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Lucy Fisher, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., and David Franzoni. Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, and Aidan Elliott serve as executive producers. Based on characters by David Franzoni. The story is by Peter Craig and David Scarpa. The screenplay is by David Scarpa.

Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, is now playing in theaters and available to watch at home tomorrow, December 24, 2024.