History of Gladiator II in Timeline
Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, is a sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator. The film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius, the exiled Prince of Rome, alongside Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington. Nielsen reprises her role from the original film. The plot follows Lucius, now a prisoner of war, who becomes a gladiator fighting for Macrinus, a former slave scheming to overthrow the Roman emperors Caracalla and Geta.
1974: Reference to The Godfather Part II
In 1974, The Godfather Part II was released. Likening the ending of Gladiator II to The Godfather Part II, the filmmaker stated that the next movie would explore the character's realization that he was now tasked with a continuing reputation that he does not want.
1979: Ridley Scott's Alien release
In 1979, Ridley Scott's film Alien was released. Scott referenced casting Sigourney Weaver in Alien to illustrate his ability to launch the careers of newcomers.
1991: Thelma & Louise release
In 1991, Ridley Scott's film Thelma & Louise was released. Scott used casting Brad Pitt in Thelma & Louise to exemplify his track record of launching newcomers' careers.
2000: Release of Gladiator
In 2000, Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, was released. It served as the predecessor to Gladiator II.
2000: Gladiator Release
In 2000, the original Gladiator film was released, influencing future sequel considerations.
June 2001: Initial discussions for Gladiator sequel
In June 2001, discussions began for a sequel to Gladiator, with David Franzoni and John Logan initially set as screenwriters.
June 2001: Early sequel development discussions
In June 2001, initial developments began for a Gladiator (2000) follow-up, with David Franzoni in early negotiations to serve as screenwriter. Ridley Scott aimed to make a sequel by exploring the ambiguous fate of Lucius Verus from the first film.
December 2002: Sequel Plot Details Emerge
In December 2002, the plot of the Gladiator sequel was announced to include prequel events regarding Lucius' parentage and sequel events depicting the resurrection of Maximus. Producers and Russell Crowe researched ancient Roman beliefs about the afterlife.
2002: 8 Mile Release
In 2002, the movie 8 Mile was released, making $51.2 million.
September 2003: Script Completion Announced
By September 2003, Ridley Scott announced that the script for the Gladiator sequel was completed and would primarily center on Lucius.
May 2006: Scott discusses sequel differences
In May 2006, Ridley Scott discussed the differing ideas for the Gladiator sequel, including Crowe's preference for a fantasy element and the studio's idea of Lucius being Maximus' son. Nick Cave was commissioned to write a new draft with a "deities vs. deity vs. humanity" story, which was ultimately rejected.
2006: Dreamworks Sold to Paramount
In 2006, DreamWorks Pictures, including the rights to Gladiator, was sold to Paramount Pictures, halting development on the sequel.
2006: Development halted due to Dreamworks sale
In 2006, development of the Gladiator sequel was halted when DreamWorks Pictures was sold to Paramount.
2007: American Gangster Release
In 2007, American Gangster, a film collaboration between Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington, was released. Washington expressed his interest in working with Scott again after their previous collaboration in American Gangster.
2015: The Martian Release
In 2015, The Martian was released. Film critic Scott Menzel deemed Gladiator II, Scott's best film since The Martian.
March 2017: Maximus Reintroduction Resolved
In March 2017, Ridley Scott revealed that the difficulties of reintroducing Maximus in the Gladiator sequel had been resolved, and discussions with Crowe were ongoing.
November 2018: Paramount Greenlights Sequel
In November 2018, Paramount greenlit the development of a Gladiator sequel, with Ridley Scott in early negotiations to direct and Peter Craig writing the script.
2018: Gladiator II Announced
In 2018, Gladiator II was officially announced.
June 2019: Script Details Revealed
In June 2019, it was revealed that the Gladiator sequel script took place 25 to 30 years after the first film and would center around Lucius.
2019: Last King of Pro-Wrestling event
In 2019, it was the last time the King of Pro-Wrestling event was held.
April 2021: Hemsworth approached Crowe
In April 2021, Chris Hemsworth approached Russell Crowe with a proposal to co-produce the Gladiator sequel and shared ideas during the filming of Thor: Love and Thunder.
September 2021: Script being reworked
In September 2021, Ridley Scott stated that the Gladiator sequel script was once again being worked on, intending to direct it after completing Napoleon.
2022: Thor: Love and Thunder Filming
In 2022, while working together on Thor: Love and Thunder, Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe shared additional ideas for the Gladiator sequel.
January 2023: Paul Mescal cast as Lucius
In January 2023, Paul Mescal was cast as the adult Lucius in Gladiator II, with Arthur Max and Janty Yates returning as production and costume designers. Scott chose Mescal after seeing his performance in Normal People. Mescal prepared physically and mentally for the role, including remembering Roman history and practicing fight choreography.
March 2023: Casting Updates
In March 2023, Barry Keoghan entered negotiations to play Emperor Caracalla while Denzel Washington joined the cast of Gladiator II. John Mathieson was also set to return as cinematographer.
April 2023: Nielsen and Hounsou to reprise roles
In April 2023, Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou were announced to reprise their roles as Lucilla and Juba in Gladiator II, while Joseph Quinn was added as Emperor Geta.
May 2023: Further casting announcements
In May 2023, Pedro Pascal, May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah and Matt Lucas joined the cast of Gladiator II. Fred Hechinger replaced Keoghan as Caracalla due to scheduling conflicts with Saltburn.
May 2023: Production was expected to begin
In May 2023, production for Gladiator II was expected to begin, with Ouarzazate, Morocco set as a filming location.
June 2023: Filming Started and accident on set
In June 2023, filming began for Gladiator II. On June 7, an accident involving fire during filming injured six crew members.
June 2023: Filming Commenced
In June 2023, filming for Gladiator II began.
July 21, 2023: Barbenheimer Release
On July 21, 2023, the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer were released on the same date, creating the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon which was referenced in relation to the release of Gladiator II.
2023: Comparison to Barbenheimer
In 2023, Gladiator II and Wicked releases were compared to the Barbenheimer phenomenon because of their contrasting target audiences.
2023: Scott Discusses Sequel Premise
In 2023, Ridley Scott explained that the Gladiator sequel's premise began with the emperors Caracalla and Geta, focusing on the power struggles after Commodus' death. The screenplay credits went to David Scarpa from a story by Scarpa and Craig.
January 2024: Filming Concluded
In January 2024, filming for Gladiator II concluded after a five-month delay due to labor disputes.
January 17, 2024: Filming wrapped
On January 17, 2024, filming for Gladiator II wrapped up in Malta.
June 2024: Filming in South Downs
In June 2024, filming for Gladiator II took place on the South Downs at Devil's Dyke, Sussex.
July 1, 2024: Release Date Announcement
On July 1, 2024, it was announced that Gladiator II's release date would coincide with Wicked's release, which was moved to avoid competition with Moana 2. This announcement sparked discussion of a potential "Barbenheimer"-like phenomenon.
July 8, 2024: Poster Release
On July 8, 2024, the official poster for Gladiator II was released.
July 10, 2024: Paul Mescal Voices Support
On July 10, 2024, Paul Mescal expressed his support for a double feature of Gladiator II and Wicked, calling the pairing "Glicked" due to their contrasting themes, reminiscent of the Barbenheimer event.
July 26, 2024: Trailer attached to Deadpool & Wolverine release
On July 26, 2024, the Gladiator II trailer was reportedly attached to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Deadpool & Wolverine. This trailer sparked discussion about the film's visuals and musical choices.
September 2024: Third Film Script Development
In September 2024, Scott revealed he was developing a script for a third Gladiator film titled Gladiator III. It was stated to follow the continuing adventures of Lucius Verus.
October 4, 2024: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Sponsorship Announcement
On October 4, 2024, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Gladiator II would sponsor the King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 14, marking the first event since 2019.
October 18, 2024: First Screening at Paramount Studios
On October 18, 2024, the first screening of Gladiator II at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles garnered positive early reactions. Critics praised Scott's direction, the set pieces, battle sequences, and Mescal's and Washington's performances.
October 30, 2024: Gladiator II Premiered in Sydney
On October 30, 2024, Gladiator II premiered in Sydney, Australia. The film later received generally positive reviews, grossing $462.2 million worldwide, and garnering nominations at the Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards.
November 1, 2024: Lucca Comics & Games Appearance
On November 1, 2024, Francesco Totti promoted the film at Lucca Comics & Games 2024, dressed as a Roman centurion to promote the release of the film in Italian cinemas.
November 11, 2024: London Premiere with Scuderia Ferrari
On November 11, 2024, Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. attended the Gladiator II premiere in London, as part of a collaboration with Paramount to promote the film. The film's logo appeared on Ferrari's car for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
December 24, 2024: Digital Download Release
On December 24, 2024, Gladiator II was released for digital download.
2024: Paramount Pictures and Pepsi campaign announcement
During the 2024 NFL season's first day, Paramount Pictures and Pepsi announced a cross-promotional campaign, featuring football stars and Megan Thee Stallion. This collaboration was part of Pepsi's sponsorship of the National Football League.
2024: Gladiator II Release
In 2024, Gladiator II, an epic historical film directed and produced by Ridley Scott, was released. The film stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
2024: Named Among Favorite Films
In 2024, filmmakers Christopher Nolan and Hannah Fidell named Gladiator II among their favorite films of the year.
2024: CinemaCon and Extended Clip Showcasing
In 2024, footage from Gladiator II was screened at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, featuring Joseph Quinn. Later in June of that year, Scott showcased an extended clip of the film with Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Quinn.
March 4, 2025: Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc Release
On March 4, 2025, Gladiator II was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc.
March 18, 2025: Art and Making Of Book Published
On March 18, 2025, the behind-the-scenes book Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film was published by Abrams Books. It features new interviews, photos and materials from the film.
April 2025: The Dog Stars Adaptation Filming
In April 2025, Scott is set to shoot an adaptation of the science fiction novel The Dog Stars in Italy after completing Gladiator II.
August 2025: Gladiator III in Progress
In August 2025, Scott revealed that Gladiator III was in progress.
September 2025: Bee Gees Biopic Filming
In September 2025, Scott is set to shoot a Bee Gees biopic after completing Gladiator II.
Mentioned in this timeline
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