24 years after ‘Gladiator’, we can actually expect a sequel to the Oscar-winning historical action film ‘Gladiator 2’, which has long since become a modern classic. However, Russell Crowe (“The Nice Guys”) will no longer be in the lead role here; instead, shooting star Paul Mescal, who will play the adult Lucius, will take on the role. We already met this character in the first part, played by Spencer Treat Clark.
If you’ve seen Gladiator, you’ve probably guessed that it’s virtually impossible to get Russell Crowe back as Maximus. It is different in the case of Djimon Hounsou, who played Maximus’ companion Juba in “Gladiator”. In the messages about Ridley Scotts With ‘Gladiator 2’ it was always said that the actor would reprise the role. But this is not the case.
Djimon Hounsou will not return!
Djimon Hounsou was recently on the podcast ““ was a guest and spoke about his new Netflix film ‘Rebel Moon’. At some point in the conversation, “Gladiator 2” finally came up and Hounsou was asked if he would be there again. His answer: “Honestly, no. […] I should be part of it. But circumstances demanded that things turn out differently.”
The sequel’s cast is still top-notch, although a return of Djimon Hounsou would have been welcome given his charisma. Starring Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn (“Stranger Things”) as Emperor Caracalla, Fred Hechinger (“The White Lotus”) as Emperor Geta, Derek Jacobi (“Euphoria”) as Senator Gracchus and Pedro Pascal (“The Last Of Us”) and Denzel Washington (“The Equalizer”) will be in attendance. However, Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla from Part 1.