Gladiator IIdevelops the relationship between its protagonist, Lucius Verus, and that of his predecessor, Maximus Decimus Meridius.Gladiator II’s ensemble castis led by Paul Mescal, who is playing the character of Lucius. Lucius was part of the first movie as the child of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla, though his role was relatively small. InGladiator II’s epic story, Lucius is now a grown man and takes his own revenge against the Roman Empire via way of gladiatorial combat.
This emulates the story of the first movie;Gladiator’s fictionalized historical figure MaximusDecimus Meridius underwent a similar journey in the 2000 movie, eventually finding his way to his deceased wife and child via his own death. Now,Gladiator II’s timelineechoes the legacy of Maximus through Lucius, providing a thematic connection between the two protagonists. However,Gladiator IItakes this connection a step further and makes it a personal one, begging the question of what Maximus' relationship with Lucius truly is.
Gladiator 2 Confirms Maximus Is Lucius' Father
Lucius Is The Son Of The First Film’s Titular Gladiator
AlthoughGladiatoris not the most historically accurate movie, Lucius Verus is one of the many characters based on a real historical figure. In real life, however, Lucius Verus died at an early age, and his father, also named Lucius Verus, was killed. As such,Gladiatornever outright confirmed who Lucius' father is, leaving the door open for Maximus to serve in this role. InGladiator II, it is finally confirmed that Maximus is officially Lucius' father.
Gladiator 2 Confirms The Biggest Maximus Theory After 24 Years
Gladiator 2’s second trailer reveals some major plot information pertaining to the 2024 movie – including some that confirms a huge Maximus theory.
This is confirmed by Lucilla herself, who tells Lucius of his heritage. As alluded to, Lucius' story mirrors Maximus in that he has his world altered by the Roman Empire in some way, seeking revenge by making a name for himself as a gladiator. InGladiator II,Lucilla recognizes these parallels and tells Lucius to take his father’s strength, stating that his name was Maximus. This coincides with Lucius taking up Maximus' armor and sword, fully embracing his father and the legacy that comes with it.
Gladiator II Confirms A Long-Running Fan Theory
Since 2000, it has been a common theory that Lucius was the son of Maximus. The reason for this stems from their connection in the first movie. While it remains true that Lucius did not have an overtly prominent role inGladiator, he was shown to be inspired by Maximus at various points throughout the film. The first meeting between Lucius and Maximus involves the former telling the latter that he likes him and that he will cheer for him in the arena. As Maximus' influence grows, so too does Lucius' reverence of him.
For this reason,many theorized that Lucius was Maximus' son. That said, the first film never outright confirmed this as truth, leaving only hints and teases that the theories could be true. Regardless,Gladiator IIprovides the long overdue confirmation in question, solidifying the relationship between Lucius and Maximus, thus informing the former’s slave relationship withDenzel Washington’s Macrinus inGladiator II.
Lucilla’s love for Maximus shines through and the two often speak about protecting Lucius from Commodus…
Another element inGladiatorthat spawned the theories that Maximus was Lucius' father was the former’s past relationship with Lucilla. Despite an exact timeline never being provided, there are many references to a romantic past between Maximus and Lucilla. At several points, Lucilla’s love for Maximus shines through and the two often speak about protecting Lucius from Commodus and his psychotic ways. Knowing that the two were once a couple, the theories that Lucius is Maximus' son gained more credence.
Why Gladiator Did Not Confirm That Lucius Was Maximus' Son
Gladiator’s Thematic Focus Was On Maximus' Other Child
WithGladiator IIconfirming the theory about Maximus and Lucius 24 years after the first film’s release, the question of why the latter did not do so is certainly valid. The reason for this stems from the emotional, thematic core of Maximus' character inGladiator.The film focuses entirely on Maximus' desire for revenge against the Roman Emperor, Commodus, for the murder of the former’s wife and son. Maximum family was killed after he refused to support the immoral reign of Commodus, kickstarting his entire arc.
Not confirming the theory inGladiatorwas the right call regarding making Maximus' arc more emotionally satisfying…
Therefore,Gladiatorfocused entirely on this event as the emotional center point of Maximus' character.Had the film officially confirmed that Lucius was Maximus' son, it would have detracted somewhat from his revengearc. Although it is definitely not unrealistic for Maximus to still desire revenge for his dead son despite having another, the question of why Maximus could not have focused on raising Lucius after finding out would have been raised. For this reason, not confirming the theory inGladiatorwas the right call regarding making Maximus' arc more emotionally satisfying.
How Lucius & Maximus Relationship Ties Into Gladiator 2’s Story
Lucius Is Continuing His Father’s Legacy
Another reason as to whyGladiatordid not confirm Lucius' parentage is simply because it servesGladiator II’s story better. As mentioned, the lack of a reveal made Maximus' story more compelling, yet the opposite is true for Lucius.Lucius' character arc inGladiator IIis driven by a very similar chain of events as Maximus' was in the first movie. As such, Lucius' story being not only thematically but directly inspired by Maximus makes a lot of sense.
Lucius' story in Gladiator II starts with his loved ones being killed when the Romans invade the province of Numidia, much like Maximus' early aspects in Gladiator.
The way in which the film shows this direct inspiration is by confirming Maximus as Lucius' father. Given that Maximus has become such an iconic, sympathetic protagonist, tying his legacy into the story of aGladiatorsequel can only have positive benefits. That is exactly the case withGladiator IIand Lucius' story. Lucius is already a strong protagonist regardless, but the concept that he is continuing the legacy of his father by taking the fight to the elites of the Roman Emperor is made all the more compelling by the reveals about his and Maximus' relationship.
What Lucius Being Maximus' Son Means For Gladiator 3
The Future Of The Gladiator Franchise Could Develop Maximus' Legacy Even Further
The final major question that is worth exploring givenGladiator II’s Maximus-Lucius reveal is what this could mean forGladiator III.In September 2024, Ridley Scott confirmed toPremiere(viaTHR) that he already had a story outlined for a thirdGladiatormovie. Scott stated that his idea stemmed from Lucius' heritage, insisting that the legacy of Maximus that is being placed on him may be one that he does not want to reckon with. This is certainly an interesting idea and would mean Lucius' relationship with Maximus carries over to a third film.
What is even more intriguing about this idea is that Russell Crowe could return as Maximus inGladiator IIIin some capacity. Of course, Maximus died inGladiator, and that should never be reversed. But Lucius reckoning with Maximus' legacy could see flashback scenes be included inGladiator IIIthat allow Crowe to make a cameo or supporting role. Regardless of whether this happens or not, it is clear thatGladiator II’s confirmation of Lucius and Maximus' relationship would mean big things for the final installment in a potential trilogy.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
