Summary

• A combination of digital tools and practical props were used to create a lifelike rhino for a Gladiator 2 fight scene.
• Ridley Scott embraces the use of computerization and AI to create a highly realistic rhino with versatile movements.
• Gladiator 2 will feature Paul Mescal facing new challenges in the Colosseum that differ from the original movie.

Gladiator 2's cast features Connie Nielsen reprising her role as Lucilla from the original Gladiator, while Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger play new characters.

While speaking with Empire, Scott explained how a combination of cutting-edge digital tools and practical props were used to create the rhino. It was intended to be as lifelike as possible to make filming the tense scene more realistic. The animal can be seen in the Gladiator 2 trailer being led out of the gates and into the center of the Colosseum with an armored individual riding it. Read Ridley's explanation below:

Computerization and AI — you have to embrace it. I can have a computer read every molecule and wrinkle on a rhino and then cut it on a thick piece of plastic, absolutely as a rhino’s body, which is then tailored to a skeleton shape. I have this thing that can do 40 miles an hour, spin on the spot, wag its head and snarl. A two-ton rhino with a guy on its back! I mean, it’s a lot of fun.

Will Gladiator 2's Story Be Able To Match Its Spectacle?

The Original Gladiator Set A High Bar

As evidenced by Gladiator 2's trailer and behind-the-scenes information, including what Scott shared about the rhino, the long-awaited sequel will be a visual spectacle to behold. A massive Colosseum replica was built for the film's central setting, and there will be intricate action sequences both within the Colosseum and in other locations as well. As exciting as this is, it does not answer whether Gladiator 2 has a story that will make the sequel a worthy continuation of its beloved predecessor.

Gladiator's ending is deeply satisfying as Maximus (Russell Crowe) gets his revenge against Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and his actions restore Rome as Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) desired. Continuing the story with an older Lucius is a natural extension, but it will be difficult for Lucius' story to sur or rival that of Maximus. Gladiator has stood the test of time not just because of its action, but because it is an emotional story of revenge and justice, anchored by stellar performances from Crowe and Phoenix.

Scott having returned to direct the long-gestating sequel is promising, as are the talented cast and the cinematography featured in the trailer. The true test will be whether Lucius' arc and the stories of the characters surrounding him, can live up to the original film. If the story can match the spectacle featuring a gladiator fighting a rhino, Gladiator II could be a stellar sequel worth waiting for more than two decades to come to fruition.

Source: Empire