Summary

• Gladiator II shares story similarities with the original but Denzel Washington's character sets it apart.
• Lucius' quest for revenge in the arena takes center stage, with Macrinus guiding the plot.
• Macrinus' political motives and complex character make him a more fascinating mentor than Proximo.

Denzel Washington's Macrinus at its heart.

Although some crucial story elements remain unclear, the Gladiator II trailer has confirmed that the movie will focus on Lucius (Paul Mescal) and his mission for redemption in the arena. Just like Maximus in the first Gladiator, Lucius will find himself forced into slavery, fighting a bitter battle for survival while simultaneously awaiting his moment to exact vengeance on the man who wronged him (Pedro Pascal). Behind this narrative is Macrinus, who acts as a mentor figure while Lucius fights for revenge. It is because of this role that, for all the familiar story beats, Gladiator II will actually be markedly different.

Denzel Washington's Macrinus Is Very Different From Proximo

The Two Mentors Have Different Motivations

Macrinus is not the first mentor figure we have seen in the Gladiator franchise. In the first movie, Oliver Reed's Proximo occupies a similar role, recognizing Maximus' talent before helping him achieve his goals. Superficially, it might seem like Washington's Macrinus is simply filling the same void, making Gladiator II seem even more like a stealth remake than a sequel. However, even from the trailer, it's evident that the two men couldn't be more different.

As an ex-gladiator himself, Proximo was primarily a pragmatic businessman. Although he developed a certain affection for Maximus, he was mainly concerned with his own interests, preoccupying himself with the welfare of his gladiatorial stable – complaining when he felt his gladiators were about to be slaughtered with no remuneration. It wasn't until the penultimate moments of the movie that he finally committed an open act of rebellion. And yet, although he ultimately became embroiled in Maximus' mission, he never harbored any political ambition for himself.

Macrinus, on the other hand, is openly politically motivated. In the trailer, he even goes so far as to tell Lucius that "you will be my instrument" as he plots his path to power. The result will be that Gladiator II's mentor figure is not just a ive presence, swept up in the main character's story. Instead, he will actively be driving the story – perhaps proving even more consequential for events than Lucius himself.

Macrinus Will Completely Change Paul Mescal's Movie Role

He's No Longer The Most Important Character

In making Macrinus the real protagonist of the movie, Gladiator II is inadvertently sidelining Mescal's Lucius. Of course, since his story will feature prominently and his violent exploits will form the dramatic focus of the film, he will still be considered a major character. However, by setting Macrinus' bid for power up as the overarching force behind events and Lucius as being in thrall to the person offering a fresh start in the arena, the movie will have a very different feel to the 2001 Best Picture winner.

Now, the ostensible main character will just be a pawn in a broader political scheme, where previously he was the one driving the story.

Although it was wrapped up in the splendor of Rome, Gladiator was – at its heart – a simple revenge story. Although senators like Gracchus were plotting to bring Commodus down, their concerns were secondary to Maximus' desire for vengeance. By making Lucius' mentor such a Machiavellian and central figure, Gladiator II is flipping this script. Now, the ostensible main character will just be a pawn in a broader political scheme, where previously he was the one driving the story. It's a subtle change, but one that has profound implications for Mescal's role and the broader Gladiator II story.

Macrinus Can Be A More Interesting ing Character Than Proximo

Proximo Was One-Dimensional, For All His Strengths

Oliver Reed's performance as Proximo was one of the unsung highlights of Gladiator. However, while he was a compelling screen presence, he became sidelined pretty quickly – especially once the action moved to Rome and Maximus came into his own as a gladiator. Although he played a key role in facilitating Maximus' escape, he was never more than a secondary character (a situation probably not helped by Reed's sudden death mid-production).

Judging by the Gladiator II trailer, Macrinus will be much more multifaceted. In addition to his stated intention of using Lucius as an "instrument", he is seen exercising his influence in all quarters of Roman life, laughing as he strikes a business deal, expanding his power base. His intelligence, relationship with Lucius, and determination to seek power for himself all make him an incredibly interesting and complex character. While the full extent of his role is unclear, Gladiator II has already made it plain that Macrinus' presence is a factor that sets the sequel apart.