After more than two decades, the thought of Ridley Scott making a Gladiator sequel still seems hard to believe. It’s not like the Best Picture winner set itself up for a sequel. Plus, you know, its titular character DIED at the end. That’s not exactly the type of movie you imagine getting a second installment. But Gladiator II is definitely happening. We know for sure because Vanity Fair has released the first images from the film. The Gladiator 2 first-look photos feature stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen fighting to save a decaying Rome from its worst leaders.

They look so good that we’re truly excited to see what happened after Maximus gave his life to give Rome back to the people.

GLADIATOR 2's First Photos Bring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington to Ancient Rome_1
Paramount Pictures/Vanity Fair

Get your best sword and sandals out, because it’s time to return to the Colosseum. Paramount Pictures’ long-developing sequel is officially ready to enter the arena.


These first Gladiator 2 photos reveal that the film is going to feature some pretty amazing costumes, set designs, and fights. This movie absolutely looks like it cost a billion dollars to make.
While Vanity Fair‘s piece has plenty of insight into the story and its characters, including their ties to Russel Crowe’s Maximus and why Rome is in such a perilous situation after his sacrifice, these photos only their own are enough to overcome some of our skepticism about the film.

But be warned if you love Joseph Quinn with dark hair. The Stranger Things alum is blonde now.

Anti-warning: Denzel Washington is already the coolest ancient Roman ever.

Hopefully these photos indicate a full Gladiator 2 trailer is on the horizon. It’s not as though we have to wait much longer for the movie anyway.

What Is the Release Date for Gladiator 2?

Gladiator 2 takes a chariot into theaters this fall on November 22, 2024.