‘Gladiator II’ trailer released: Cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal

The trailer for "Gladiator II," the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster, Academy Award-winning hit, is finally here. 

Paramount Pictures debuted the official trailer Tuesday, a little more than four months before the film is set to open in theaters. 

Paul Mescal plays Lucius and Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures. Aidan Monaghan, 2024 Paramount Pictures.

Here is what to know about the much-anticipated movie: 

What is "Gladiator II" about?

Fred Hechinger plays Emperor Caracalla in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures. Aidan Monaghan, 2024 Paramount Pictures.

The story continues the epic saga set in Ancient Rome. 

Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. 

With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people. 

"Gladiator II" Ridley Scott

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures. Aidan Monaghan, 2024 Paramount Pictures. 

Ridley Scott returns as director for "Gladiator II."

He received much acclaim for directing "Gladiator" in 2000, and was nominated for Best Director at the Oscars that year.

The 86-year-old is also an accomplished producer behind films such as "Blade Runner" and "Thelma & Louise."

"Gladiator II" cast

Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures. Aidan Monaghan, 2024 Paramount Pictures.

Several big Hollywood names signed on to star in "Gladiator II" – Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielson and Denzel Washington. 

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures. Cuba Scott, 2024 Paramount Pictures.

"Gladiator II" release date

"Gladiator II" releases in theaters Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 – the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

It’ll be going up against another much-anticipated movie, "Wicked," at the box office.

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This story was reported from Detroit.