“Gladiator II” First-Look Images of Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and More

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED by the idea of Ridley Scott directing a sequel to “Gladiator?” We sure are, but also still kinda scratching our heads. The original film is perfection- it’s perhaps Scott’s most perfect film. (That’s not to say that “Alien” and “Blade Runner” aren’t the pinnacle of filmmaking, and genre-defining at that. But “Gladiator” is something more….crowd-pleasing from the get-go.)

That’s what brings us to this slew of first-look photos of the upcoming epic “Gladiator II,” from photographer Aidan Monaghan for Paramount Pictures. In a special spread from Vanity Fair, we get our first glimpse at Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal as dueling warriors in the arena. As well as Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and the returning Empress, Connie Britton.

“The leadership is in total chaos. We have demagogues—that’s a good word,” Scott says of the tone of the film. “The people who are in charge are out of their minds, and everyone is too afraid to contradict. That’s familiar ground right now.”

Pescal plays Marcus Acacius, a Roman general who may or may not have trained under Russell Crowe‘s character from the first film. Washington plays Macrinus, an arms dealer who also trades in goods. Instead of prized horses, he has a stable of Gladiators. “He’s beautiful. He drives a golden Ferrari,” Scott said. “I got him a gold-plated chariot.”

There is a LOT to take in from Vanity Fair, and it’s well-worth the read. Especially if you are anxiously awaiting the first trailer for the film. We’re thinking it’s likely to hit during San Diego Comic-Con later this month. As always, we’ll let you know what we hear about this and other news. If you don’t already have it, you should pick up the 4K of “Gladiator,” and really crank up that soundtrack.