Ridley Scott Says GLADIATOR II Has ‘The Biggest Action Sequence He’s Ever Done’

Ridley Scott has made some great films that feature some pretty epic battle sequences. He is no stranger to massive battles in his historical epics, and his next film, Gladiator IIwill present his biggest hit yet!

During an interview with Empire, Scott teased what’s to come, saying: “We start the movie with what is probably the biggest action sequence I’ve ever done. Probably bigger than anything in Napoleon.”

Napoleon featured a truly spectacular battle sequence, so it will be interesting to see how Scott can top it and all of his other work.

The director also talked about the moment in the trailer where by Paul Mescal Lucio faces a rhinoceros in the Colosseum.

“Computerization and artificial intelligence: you have to embrace it. I can have a computer read every molecule and wrinkle of a rhinoceros and then cut it out on a thick piece of plastic, exactly like a rhinoceros’ body, which is then adapted into a skeletal shape.”

He added: “I have this thing that can do 40 miles an hour, spin around, shake its head and growl. A two-ton rhino with a guy on its back! I mean, it’s a lot of fun.”

Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal as Lucio, Lucilla’s son (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus, the antagonist of the original film played by actressSet years after 2000 GladiatorThe sequel finds Lucius living as a young adult in the North African region of Numidia, where he was sent by his mother as a child. Events bring Lucius back to Rome as a gladiator, where he makes new enemies and reunites with his mother.

While Scott hasn’t shared many details about the opening action sequence in Gladiator IIHe teased a moment where Lucio, played by Mescal, faces a rhinoceros in the Colosseum.

The story takes place years after Maximus gave his life, overthrowing the leadership of the decadent and corrupt society. The sequel focuses on Lucius, son of Lucilla and grandson of Commodus, son of the Roman leader Marcus Aurelius who murdered his father and seized the throne.

Commodus met his downfall in the gladiatorial arena against Maximus, who despite being mortally wounded, defeated the emperor before moving on to reunite with his family. Maximus had saved Lucius and his mother, leaving a lasting impact on the young boy.

Decades have passed and Lucius has come of age away from his mother. When he was still a child, Lucilla sent him to the northern coast of Africa, to a region called Numidia that was (at that point) just outside the reach of the Roman Empire.

“Gladiator II It begins with Lucius of Mescal living a peaceful life with his wife and son until the conquerors of his homeland begin to invade.” Scott says, “The film begins with the Roman fleet raiding party, coming in from the sea and decimating Numidia. It’s pretty crazy.”

Lucius eventually finds himself a prisoner and is taken to Rome, where he has to fight in the Colosseum. Scott explains how it unfolds: “The problem is that when he arrives in Rome as a prisoner and has the first round in the arena, he sees his mother, much to his shock.”

The synopsis reads: “Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue and revenge set in ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the 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 rule Rome with an iron fist.

“With anger in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past for the strength and honor to restore Rome’s glory to his people.”

The film will be released in theaters on November 22.