'Gladiator II' drops official trailer; to open in PH cinemas on Nov. 20

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures just released the first official trailer of "Gladiator II!" The scenes are nothing short of epic and just enough to keep fans on their toes ahead of the movie's release in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 20.

The story picks up more than 20 years after director Ridley Scott's much-acclaimed "Gladiator" was released in 2000.

Paul Mescal of "Normal People" and "All of Us Strangers" fame stars as a grown-up Lucius in "Gladiator II." Lucius is the grandson of Marcus Aurelius, the former emperor of Rome, and the daughter of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).

The trailer begins with a flashback to Lucius' childhood, who recalls the events of the first film when gladiator Maximus (Russell Crowe) battles Lucius' corrupt uncle, Commodus. After Commodus' defeat, Lucilla brings her son to safety in Numidia in North Africa.

In "Gladiator II," Lucius is brought back to Rome and thrown into slavery after Numidia is invaded by Roman soldiers led by general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).

There, he meets Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who sponsors him to become a gladiator and he fights for his life in the Colosseum, much to the Romans' glee, including the young emperors Caracalla and Geta.

It is unclear whether Lucius' mother, Lucilla, recognizes her own son as a gladiator.

The trailer ends with Lucius and Marcus engaging in an intense battle in the arena.

"Gladiator II" will open in Philippine cinemas alongside Jon Chu's film adaptation of "Wicked."

— CDC, GMA Integrated News