The long-anticipated Gladiator II trailer is out and ready for fans to enjoy. The stakes are high in the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 action film Gladiator, as charcters go head-to-head in deadly, close combat battles.

Earlier this month, promotional photos of the cast members were released. Now, audiences can see these battles and stars in action. Gladiator II features Paul Mescal, as Lucius Verus, who takes over for Russell Crowe, Maximus. The film follows Lucius’ “Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius 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,” according to Letterboxd. 

The film also stars Pedro Pascal as Justin Martialis, as well as Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and many others. The film was written by David Scarpa, with a soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer, known for the music behind hundreds of films including Interstellar, Dune 1&2, Rain Man, and Inception. 

The release of this film is later than intended due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes that occurred last summer. While filming began last June, they had to break and resume in December. 

Gladiator II will be released in theatres on Nov. 22, 2024.