Russell Crowe as Maximus in 'Gladiator' (2000). Ridley Scott’s 2000 film Gladiator was a sensational tale of honor and betrayal in the ancient Roman empire. In the film, Rome’s dying emperor ...

Long after general-turned-gladiator Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) and Emperor Commodus (Phoenix) killed each other in battle, long-lost heir Lucius returns to Rome as a gladiator after the ...

In fact, the lead character in the sequel comes from Gladiator, even if you don’t recognize him. Lucius, a warrior played by Paul Mescal in the new movie, is the nephew of Commodus, the emperor ...

The arrest sets the rest of the story in motion as Maximus escapes execution, is enslaved, and becomes a gladiator — a role he uses to plot revenge against Commodus. Before Maximus falls from ...

"Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus in Gladiator; certainly for my characterization of Joffrey," he told EW, "that had a big impact, the smirk." 16. To create the massive audience, 2,000 extras were ...

As for Maximus, he slowly restores his honor as a gladiator, embracing Marcus Aurelius’ dream of a Republic and using his new-found fame to challenge Commodus. As the trailers for Gladiator II ...

Paul Mescal as Lucius in “Gladiator II” (Credit: Paramount Pictures) “Aftersun” Oscar nominee Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the nephew of former Emperor Commodus and son of Lucilla ...

Gladiator II opens in Australia and New Zealand ... Maximus’ defeat of Commodus in the arena 16 years prior should’ve led to a new golden era in Rome, but the resulting vacuum of leadership ...

and Joaquin Phoenix was phenomenal as the utterly unhinged and ambitious Commodus. Twenty-four years later, Scott is ready for the movie's sequel to hit theaters. Gladiator II releases on Friday ...

One of the most pivotal scenes in the original “Gladiator” blockbuster was filmed in a place you might not expect: a parking lot. Arthur Max, production designer for both “Gladiator” and ...