- Paul Mescal stars in Gladiator 2, which features him fighting a troop of baboons.
- Director Ridley Scott was inspired to include the scene after watching a video of baboons attacking tourists.
- Fans on social media have expressed excitement and anticipation for the film, releasing on November 22, 2024.
Irish actor Paul Mescal has a big challenge ahead of him in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator 2: not only is he tasked with carrying on the legacy of Russell Crowe’s iconic character, but he will also have to face a pack of baboons. The inclusion of the unexpected fight scene has been met with positive reactions from fans on social media, fueling anticipation for the sequel despite concerns that it might tamper with the original film’s legacy.
In an interview with The New Yorker, director Ridley Scott revealed that Gladiator 2 would feature a scene in which Mescal’s character faces off against a troop of baboons. The idea for this unique showdown came to Scott after watching a video of baboons attacking tourists, leading to the famous quote: “Baboons are carnivores. Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg? No! A baboon can.”
The sequel will follow the adult version of Lucius, originally portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark, as he navigates the chaos caused by his uncle Commodus and the fallout from his brutal actions. The film’s ensemble includes Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Pedro Pascal, and Hollywood icon Denzel Washington, who plays a former slave turned wealthy man who still harbors a grudge.
Fans on social media, including on the platform formerly known as Twitter, have shown enthusiasm over the prospect of Mescal battling baboons, with some even predicting that the scene could potentially win the film a Best Picture Oscar. One user shared a clip from The Simpsons in response to the news, featuring Reverend Lovejoy rescuing Ned Flanders from a pack of primates. The excitement surrounding the film is palpable and will undoubtedly continue to build as Gladiator 2 approaches its United States release date of November 22, 2024.