Summary
Gladiator IIshares some understandable connections with the acclaimed original movie, yet for all the similarities in story, Denzel Washington’s sequel character will be a huge point of difference.TheGladiator IItrailerhas already laid plain the movie’s revenge arc, creating clear parallels with Maximus' journey. Beyond this, however, the sequel is painting a very different picture of Ancient Rome – full of betrayal, ambition, and intrigue, and withDenzel Washington’s Macrinusat its heart.
Although some crucial story elements remain unclear, theGladiator IItrailer has confirmed that the movie will focus on Lucius (Paul Mescal) and his mission for redemption in the arena. Just like Maximus in the firstGladiator, Lucius will find himself forced into slavery, fighting a bitter battle for survival while simultaneously awaiting his moment to exact vengeance on the man who wronged him (Pedro Pascal). Behind this narrative isMacrinus, who acts as a mentor figure while Lucius fights for revenge. It is because of this role that, for all the familiar story beats,Gladiator IIwill actually be markedly different.
Denzel Washington’s Macrinus Is Very Different From Proximo
The Two Mentors Have Different Motivations
Macrinus is not the first mentor figure we have seen in theGladiatorfranchise. In the first movie,Oliver Reed’s Proximo occupies a similar role, recognizing Maximus' talent before helping him achieve his goals. Superficially, it might seem like Washington’s Macrinus is simply filling the same void, makingGladiator IIseem even more like a stealth remakethan a sequel. However, even from the trailer, it’s evident that the two men couldn’t be more different.
As an ex-gladiator himself, Proximo was primarily a pragmatic businessman. Although he developed a certain affection for Maximus,he was mainly concerned with his own interests, preoccupying himself with the welfare of his gladiatorial stable – complaining when he felt his gladiators were about to be slaughtered with no remuneration. It wasn’t until the penultimate moments of the movie that he finally committed an open act of rebellion. And yet, although he ultimately became embroiled in Maximus' mission, he never harbored any political ambition for himself.
Macrinus, on the other hand, is openly politically motivated. In the trailer,he even goes so far as to tell Lucius that “you will be my instrument"as he plots his path to power. The result will be thatGladiator II’s mentor figureis not just a passive presence, swept up in the main character’s story. Instead, he will actively be driving the story – perhaps proving even more consequential for events than Lucius himself.
Macrinus Will Completely Change Paul Mescal’s Movie Role
He’s No Longer The Most Important Character
In making Macrinus the real protagonist of the movie,Gladiator IIis inadvertently sidelining Mescal’s Lucius. Of course, since his story will feature prominently and his violent exploits will form the dramatic focus of the film, he will still be considered a major character. However, by setting Macrinus' bid for power up as the overarching force behind events and Lucius as being in thrall to the person offering a fresh start in the arena,the movie will have a very different feel to the 2001 Best Picture winner.
Now, the ostensible main character will just be a pawn in a broader political scheme, where previously he was the one driving the story.
Although it was wrapped up in the splendor of Rome,Gladiatorwas – at its heart – a simple revenge story. Although senators like Gracchus were plotting to bring Commodus down,their concerns were secondary to Maximus' desire for vengeance. By making Lucius' mentor such a Machiavellian and central figure,Gladiator IIis flipping this script. Now, the ostensible main character will just be a pawn in a broader political scheme, where previously he was the one driving the story. It’s a subtle change, but one that has profound implications for Mescal’s role and the broaderGladiator IIstory.
Macrinus Can Be A More Interesting Supporting Character Than Proximo
Proximo Was One-Dimensional, For All His Strengths
Oliver Reed’s performance as Proximo was one of the unsung highlights ofGladiator. However, while he was a compelling screen presence, he became sidelined pretty quickly – especially once the action moved to Rome and Maximus came into his own as a gladiator. Although he played a key role in facilitating Maximus' escape,he was never more than a secondary support character(a situation probably not helped by Reed’s sudden death mid-production).
Judging by theGladiator IItrailer, Macrinus will be much more multifaceted. In addition to his stated intention of using Lucius as an “instrument”, he is seen exercising his influence in all quarters of Roman life, laughing as he strikes a business deal, expanding his power base. His intelligence, relationship with Lucius, and determination to seek power for himself all make him an incredibly interesting and complex character. While the full extent of his role is unclear,Gladiator IIhas already made it plain that Macrinus' presence is a factor that sets the sequel apart.
