Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama is making headlines with the highly anticipated sequel, but even before its release, plans for Gladiator 3 are already underway.
“I’m already toying with the idea of Gladiator 3. No, seriously! I’ve lit the fuse,” Scott revealed to the French magazine Premiere.
This news is exciting for admirers of Scott’s action-packed franchise, who are on the verge of witnessing a new film nearly 24 years after the original. However, Scott’s hint at a potential Gladiator 3 may have inadvertently revealed some plot details about how Gladiator 2 concludes, even before fans have seen it.
If we assume that the “Michael Corleone” figure in Gladiator 2 is Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), it suggests he survives the sequel, paving the way for his character to continue into Gladiator 3.
This makes the most sense for Lucius’ character, especially since he has been positioned as the hero and protagonist in much of the film’s marketing. Fans have therefore speculated that he will escape the arena alive, marking a significant departure from Maximus’ honorable demise in the original movie.
This speculation has not gone unnoticed, with social media buzzing with reactions. One user on X commented: “Spoiling who survives in a movie that isn’t even out yet is crazy.”
“Lol so Pedro is DYING dying,” remarked another user, referencing Pedro Pascal‘s character Marcus Acacius, who is depicted as an antagonist to Lucius.
“I mean, I kinda knew in my heart that Pedro’s character would die because he always does,” added a third user. “But it’s crazy that they’re just casually confirming who survives before the movie’s release.”
The likelihood that Scott has set up a misdirection is low, yet not completely out of the question. Gladiator 2 is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, so fans will need to watch for themselves to uncover the truth about the finale.
For more insights, check out our feature on why Gladiator 2 could address 2024’s biggest cinematic villain dilemma.
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