Do You Need to Watch Gladiator to Understand the Sequel?

After more than twenty years The Gladiator in theaters, the sequel made its much-anticipated debut.

Ridley ScottThe 2000 historical epic follows the Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) who is sold into slavery as a gladiator. The sequel – which hits theaters on Friday, November 22 – focuses on Lucius (Paul Mescal), son of Lucila (Connie Nielsen) and Commodus’ nephew (played by Joaquin Phoenix in the first movie).

“I saw the film for the first time when I was 13 with my father,” Mescal, 28, told. Entertainment Weekly earlier this month, while costar Pedro Pascal he’s glad he didn’t see the original in theaters not once — but twice — because of “how emotional the movie was.”

“Obviously, it’s incredibly visceral and epic and the kind of film you rarely see made these days,” Pascal told the outlet. “It had an emotional impact, I remember thinking that sadly I was pulled the second time because it was so comforting.”

So, you need to watch the first movie to understand Scott Gladiator II? Scroll down to see the connection between the films below:

What happened to Gladiator?

Gladiator centers around Maximus (remember, that’s Crowe) who forms a bond with Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Marcus Aurelius informed Maximus of his plans to crown him Protector of Rome after his death. Commodus (Phoenix) finds out about this news and kills his father and orders his army to kill Maximus and his family. While Maximus tries to save his loved ones, it is too late and his wife and son are dead.

Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and is taken to Rome to fight before Commodus. In the end, Commodus and Maximus fight a duel and both – spoiler alert – die.

What is the Plot of Gladiator II?

The sequel takes place decades after the events The Gladiator. When Lucius (who is Mescal) was young, Lucilla sent him to a place called Numidia in an effort to keep him away from Roman society. As Gladiator II happens, Lucius’ life is disrupted when the Roman army led by General Marcus Acacius (Pascal) invades Numidia and captures him.

While Phoenix and Crowe are set to appear in the middle Gladiator II, Derek Jacobi and Nielsen will reprise their roles as Gracchus (a Roman senator) and Lucilla, respectively. The new film will also feature new faces including Mescal, Pascal and Denzel Washington.

How Do Gladiator and Gladiator II Compare?

OK — go with it Us. There are several important connections to the original Gladiator II. In one, the main character (again, that Mescal) is the son of a noble woman The Gladiator. Another series that appears The Gladiator that Marcus Acadius (Pascal!) is said to have trained as an officer under Maximus (again, that’s Crowe).

“This film has an identity built on his legacy. It wouldn’t make sense for it not to happen,” said Pascal Vanity Fair July, calling his character a fighter who “learned from the best, so this code of honor is embedded in his training and his presence. But in the end you are a different person. And that can’t change who you are. Maximus is Maximus, and that cannot be repeated. That enables Acacius to do different things.”

Another connecting factor between the movies is returning director Scott – who said Gladiator II “It’s as good as the first one.” He told People in August, “I didn’t say it better. Good.”

So, Do You Need to See Gladiator to Watch Gladiator II?

The main point is that although it is not absolutely necessary to watch The Gladiator in preparation for the sequel, the stories are quite different – and watching the first film will help you settle into the layered world of the characters. Basically, you’ll probably get more Gladiator II if you stream the 2000 movie first. Plus, who wouldn’t want to take a trip down memory lane and see Crowe and Phoenix in the original? Either way, first quote The Gladiator movie, just get ready to be entertained.

Gladiator II will be in theaters on Friday, November 22.