How historically accurate is Gladiator 2? Fact-checking all important details

Ridley Scott's historical action movie, Gladiator 2 continues the plot of the 2000 movie Gladiator. The film centers on Paul Mescal's character Lucius, whose house is invaded by General Acacius. Lucius joins Macrinus, a former slave who intends to depose emperors Geta and Caracalla, as a gladiator in pursuit of retribution.

Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington are also featured in the movie. Mescal plays Lucius in place of Spencer Treat Clark, and Jacobi and Nielsen reprise their parts from the previous film.

The film combines history with fiction. Some characters, like emperors Geta and Caracalla, are genuine. However, their stories are primarily fictitious. In real life, Geta and Caracalla despised each other. Moreover, Caracalla murdered Geta. This is not depicted in the film. Similar adjustments occur throughout the film.

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Fact-check of all historical details in Gladiator 2

Gladiator 2 combines fictional elements with real-life historical figures to fit the plot's needs. Caracalla, the Roman ruler, is one of the main characters. Caracalla and his brother Geta form a closer protective link throughout the film, with Geta seeking to help his brother, who suffers from a mental illness.

In reality, however, the two brothers were bitter enemies. After their father died, they briefly shared authority, but their relationship was turbulent. Eventually, during a phony peace meeting, Caracalla killed Geta, thereby ending their joint rule.

The death of Commodus is likewise altered in the movie. In the past, Commodus was strangled by his wrestling coach Narcissus after being poisoned by his inner circle. Gladiator 2, on the other hand, depicts his death more dramatically and sadly. For the sequel, Commodus, Lucius, and Maximus's relationships are likewise modified. Since Maximus passes away in the first movie, the sequel, which is not grounded in historical reality, reimagines the relationship between the characters, particularly between Lucius and Maximus.

Another significant figure, Macrinus, is presented as a merchant who becomes emperor by assassinating Caracalla. Although Macrinus rose to power following Caracalla's death, the film alters his background. In real reality, Macrinus was not a slave, and his ascent to power was the result of political intrigue rather than personal desire. The film modernizes his role by having him drink coffee, which is archaic and historically wrong.

Finally, Lucius, modeled on the real-life Lucius Verus II, is depicted in the film to have survived into maturity. In truth, Lucius Verus II passed away as a youngster. The film imagines that he survived and returned as an adult to confront Rome's leaders, which is fictitious.

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Additional details about the film

Gladiator 2 trailer (Image via Youtube/@ONE Media)

In Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal plays Emperor Commodus' son Lucius, who is battling his father's legacy. Pedro Pascal takes on an intriguing role, Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla and Denzel Washington plays a gladiator who instructs him. The story, set fifteen years after the last film, focuses on Lucius' battles with loyalty, and power, and the challenges of ancient Roman politics.

Gladiator 2 was filmed in Malta, Morocco, and the UK. In Malta, the Colosseum was rebuilt in Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, also featured in the original film. Other destinations in Malta were Mizieb and the Palazzo Vilhena in Mdina.

In Morocco, combat sequences depicted in the African kingdom of Numidia were filmed in Ouarzazate. These locations served to bring the epic story of Ancient Rome and North Africa to life.

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One can watch the first film on Paramount Plus or Prime Video.