The One Show

GLADIATOR II PLOT In the original Gladiator, Lucius is Lucilla's (Connie Nielsen) young son, whose life is saved by Maximus (Russell Crowe) after the final battle. The sequel takes place years after the first film ends, with Lucius all grown up and ready to embark on his own journey. Over two decades after the events of Gladiator, Lucius (Paul Mescal)-the son of Lucilla -lives with his wife and child in Numidia (in North Africa). Roman soldiers led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invade, killing his wife and forcing Lucius into slavery. Inspired by Maximus (whom he makes a connection with in the original film), Lucius resolves to fight as a gladiator under the teaching of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who plots to overthrow the young emperors Caracalla and Geta. RIDLEY SCOTT CASTING PAUL Director Ridley Scott said he cast Paul after seeing him in Normal People and thought he had a striking resemblance to fellow Irish actor, the late Richard Harris, who played Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (2000) CONNIE RETURNING TO THE ROLE It's been nearly 25 years since Connie played Lucilla and is one of the few cast members returning from the original movie KATARINA JOHNSON - THOMPSON - UNBROKEN: In her intimate autobiography, Katarina opens up about the pressures of representing Britain at the London Olympics while just sixteen years of age, and gives an insight into the inner workings of a champion's mind.