How Gladiator II Connects to Russell Crowe OG: Returning Characters, Resurrected Rhino Fight

ET explains how ‘Gladiator II’ connects to the unique film by way of Paul Mescal and Connie Nielson’s returning characters from the Oscar-winning epic. Back in 2000, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott lamented to ET a few canceled struggle sequencing involving rhinos. Cut to 2024, the director lastly offers audiences his long-awaited imaginative and prescient for the person versus animal showdown in Rome’s Colosseum. Mescal, who performs Maximus’ secret and now-grown son, Lucious, opens up about honoring the primary film’s legacy and the way Crowe has been an inspiration for him on and off display screen. Denzel Washington praises Mescal’s efficiency within the sequel, which sees Lucious going through two maniacal Roman royals who emulate Joaquin Phoenix’s breakout function. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger say they each studied Phoenix’s Commodus, including reward for Nielson’s steerage as they joined the huge manufacturing that was greater than 20 years within the making.