Ridley Scott delivers a passionate defense of one of Gladiator II‘s more peculiar scenes, sparking debate about the film’s blend of historical accuracy and cinematic flair. As a sequel to Scott’s 2000 Oscar-winning movie, Gladiator II will return to Ancient Rome, this time following Lucius (Paul Mescal), a character similar to Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Lucius’ life is upended when he is forced into slavery by the invading Roman army led by General Marcus Aracius (Pedro Pascal). Seeking vengeance and fighting for the glory and salvation of a crumbling Rome, Lucius channels Maximus’ fighting spirit to ignite a revolution.
