The Gladiator movie is undoubtedly legendary. The movie was well received all over the world and significant shots were filmed in Malta. How cool is that? It was released back in 2000 and we are now expecting a sequel, as per recent reports. With that said, we are still unsure about a release date, which will definitely frustrate fans who are seeking some form of strong indication that these rumours are true.
Rumours also have it that works for a sequel had started back in 2001, which means just a year after the first was released. The writer is apparently Peter Craig, who is the man responsible to adapt the Hunger Games novels to the big screen.
The sequel will be set thirty years after the original story and is therefore expected that the great Russel Crowe will not feature. It is rumoured that the story of Gladiator 2 will focus on Lucius as a grown-up. For those who need a reminder, Lucius is the son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus. In this respect, both Maximus and Commodus cannot be expected to feature since both were left dead.
So basically what is Gladiator about?
It is about a strong general who would be selected to become Emperor. Out of spite and jealousy the heir and son of the Emperor, Commodus, would kill his father to put an end to this plan. Commodus (the Emperor’s son) would then proceed to banish Maximus (the strong general) to death, also ordering an attack and murder on his family. Maximus would flee and then be captured into slavery and forced to participate in the Gladiator battles in the grand Colosseum, in front of the then Emperor Commodus. Throughout the movie, the audience becomes heavily enticed to sympathise with Maximus as he has lost everything due to Commodus’ spite. All Maximus wanted was to complete his duty to Commodus’ father and return home to enjoy his family.
With a murdered family and no life purpose, Maximus becomes obsessed with vengeance and keeps on fighting through the Gladiator battles, publicly disrespecting Commodus in front of large crowds. The movie culminates in a final battle between the Emperor and a gladiator. One would expect the Emperor to be the favourite, especially when considering that Maximus is stabbed in the chest with a dagger just before the battle. As Maximus starts to lose consciousness during the fight, he musters the last bit of remaining strength to slay Commodus with a dagger, by inserting it into his neck, delivering a fatal blow.
Until more details about the release of a Gladiator sequel, we can only wait and enjoy the splendour of the first movie, which is indeed incredible. Popcorn anyone?
