We Talked To The ‘Gladiator II’ Cast About Their Characters And The Legacy Of The First Film

The epic film is an entertaining and star-studded affair.

“Gladiator,” the 2000 epic drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe, has stood the test of time, captivating audiences for over two decades with its visceral storytelling and sweeping visual grandeur.

Now, “Gladiator II” arrives as one of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory — and it does not disappoint. With the return of Scott in the director’s chair, the film revisits the thrilling world of ancient Rome and delivers an entertaining continuation of the electrifying saga.

Fans of the original will recognize the same high-stakes drama and gritty authenticity, but this time with a mostly new cast: Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, who is taken as a prisoner of the Roman army and made a gladiator, alongside Denzel Washington, who portrays Macrinus, a villainous arms dealer who hopes to one day control Rome. Twin terrors Caracella (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn) are emperors with a penchant for violence. Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, Maximus’ (Crowe) former lover, and Pedro Pascal portrays Roman general Marcus Acacius, who like Crowe’s character in the 2000 film, would like to see a new vision forward for Rome.

Washington’s role in the film has already sparked a lot of conversations, especially after the first trailer was released over the summer.

HuffPost sat down with Washington and the rest of the ensemble cast to talk about the intricacies of their roles, the challenges of embodying such powerful characters and how they brought a new chapter of “Gladiator” to life.