EntertainmentMoviesAction MoviesGladiator 2Gladiator 2 ending explained: Who dies? What happens to Lucius?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentMoviesAction MoviesGladiator 2Gladiator 2 ending explained: Who dies? What happens to Lucius?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
24 years on from the original,Gladiator 2has finally arrived on our screens. This time around, the Ridley Scott film follows Maximus' son Lucius, who we first meet living in Numidia. Following an invasion from the Roman Empire, he’s brought to Rome where he trains to become a gladiator, and follow in his father’s footsteps. Betrayal and secrets hide around every corner in the capital, as Lucius must try to survive on a mission of revenge.
The epic historical saga comes to an exhilarating conclusion, which not everyone makes it out of alive. However, you’d be forgiven for having a few lingering questions at the end of the two and a half hour movie. Well, that’s where we come in. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the third act of Scott’s latest, including a breakdown of who survives and what the future holds for the world of Gladiator.
Now, naturally we’ll be getting intohuge spoilers for Gladiator 2below and given the movie isn’t yet out in the US, we’d advise proceeding with caution. After all, everything that happens will echo in eternity…
While you’re here too, check out ourGladiator 2 review.
Gladiator 2 ending explained
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
After the loss of his wife, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is taken to train as a gladiator under the watchful eye of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who intends to use him as a pawn to power. After Lucius proves himself in a number of battles, his estranged mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) makes the heartbreaking discovery that he is actually her son, who she sent away many years ago for his safety. She confronts him with the news, but Lucius cannot forgive her for what she did.
Meanwhile, Lucilla decides that she will risk everything instead to save her son. She had made a plan with her husband, Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), to bring down emperors Caracalla (Joseph Quinn) and Geta (Fred Hechinger) using the might of his army. However, they decide to put it on hold to save Lucius. Unfortunately, one of their maids overhears them and shares their betrayal. On the night that they try to free Lucius, both of them are arrested.
It’s decided that Lucius and Acacius will meet in the Colosseum, which is something Lucius has been hoping for ever since Acacius invaded his home. However, the moment they meet, it doesn’t go as planned. Acacius appeals to Lucius that he loves his mother and was trying to save him. Lucius decides to spare him, but the emperors have other plans. After calling upon “the gods”, Caracella points his thumb down and orders his execution.
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter
Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox
This is a turning point for Lucius who begins to see more and more the manipulation of Macrinus. It’s also a turning point for the emperors as the citizens of Rome learn that “this is how Rome treats its heroes”. Riots begin in the streets, calling for the leaders' heads. Macrinus uses this as his opportunity to rise the ranks. He manipulates Geta who is not in his right mind, telling him that he must kill his twin in order to save his monkey. Surprisingly, this works as Geta kills Caracella and Macrinus cuts off his head.
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Now with Geta in charge, he promotes his monkey and Macrinus as his advisors. Macrinus' first order of business: kill Lucilla publically in the Colosseum. He also advises that it is her son Lucius who should be the one to do it. Thankfully, Lucius learns of the plan ahead of time and uses his connections to help him out.
He tells Ravi who he really is and instructs him to go to the front lines where Acacius' army have been waiting and tell them to march for him. He also takes his keys, and heads to the basement where Maximus' tomb is. There, he takes his breastplate to wear and honor his father, as well as unlocking all of the other gladiators' cells. When the time comes for them to be called up, he kills the guard and takes his men up to the Colosseum to save his mother.
After winning them to his side, they ride into Rome, taking it for themselves. The final few minutes see Lucius return to the Colosseum where he touches the sand, just as his father did all those years ago, and asks him to “speak” to him. The Gladiator theme then plays as we see Maximus' hand touching the fields of wheat in the dreamlike afterlife.
Why did Lucilla send Lucius away?
(Image credit: Paramount)
Who dies in Gladiator 2?
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Marcus Acacius is killed next after his betrayal is revealed. He’s brought into the Colosseum to face Lucius, who spares his life, only for the emperors to order his execution anyway. In the wake of his death, Geta turns on his brother Caracella, killing him under Macrinus' influence.
What happens to Lucius?
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Lucius is victorious at the end of Gladiator 2, leading his troops into Rome. However, it’s not entirely clear if he’ll become the new emperor now, or if he’ll push for more reform in the capital, under the “dream of Rome.” If you look at actual history – not always advised with a Ridley Scott film – after Geta and Caracella, Macrinus actually ruled for a year. After him? His son, Diadumenian.
Who’s hand is that at the end? Is Russell Crowe in Gladiator?
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
At the very end of the film, Lucius asks his father to speak to him. This is who we see in the final moments, with his ringed hand touching the wheat fields. However, it’s not actually clear if this was Russell Crowe or not – yet. He’s not named in the credits and the original Gladiator star has been very clear on his thoughts about the film.
Speaking back in June,he said on a podcast: “I am slightly uncomfortable with the fact that they’re making another one because of course I’m dead and I have no say in what gets done. But a couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘Hmm, no no no no no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’ But, I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six feet under so we’ll see what that is like.”
This one will be answered soon, we’re sure, as post-release interviews start popping up.
Is there a Gladiator 2 post-credits scene?
(Image credit: Paramount)
No, there is no post-credits scene for Gladiator 2. We’d recommend staying through the credits though to hear that wonderful score.
Will there be a Gladiator 3?
(Image credit: Paramount)
While aGladiator 3hasn’t yet been officially announced, Ridley Scott is certainly hopeful.Speaking to Total Film earlier this year, he even revealed that he’s begun work on the script. “I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint,” he revealed.
Will there be a Gladiator 2 directors' cut?
(Image credit: Paramount)
Ridley Scott is well known for his directors' cuts, but it’s not likely we’ll be getting one for Gladiator 2. He toldColliderthat the final theatrical cut is his final cut.
“I’ve earned the right to have my final cut. I have the final cut anyway, so my cut that goes out usually is my fault,” he told the publication. “It is my cut. I’ll go around in circles. I won’t agonize because I cut during the film. I don’t get to the end and then start the cut – God knows that would take too long. I cut as I’m going, and I think it’s valid to cut as you’re going because you need to see how you’re doing and how everyone’s performing.”
Gladiator 2 is out in the UK now, before releasing in US theaters on November 22. For more, check out our guides toupcoming moviesand thebest action movies.
More about action moviesThe 33 greatest post-credits scenesThe secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world"Latest"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beSee more latest►
More about action moviesThe 33 greatest post-credits scenesThe secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world"Latest"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beSee more latest►
More about action moviesThe 33 greatest post-credits scenesThe secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world”
More about action movies
The 33 greatest post-credits scenesThe secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world”
The 33 greatest post-credits scenes
The 33 greatest post-credits scenes
The secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world”
The secret’s out: Christopher Nolan’s new Tom Holland-led movie is an Odyssey adaptation and a “mythic action epic shot across the world”
Latest"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beSee more latest►
Latest
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be
See more latest►
Most PopularThis canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier”
Most PopularThis canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier”
Most PopularThis canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier”
Most Popular
This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chance
Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics”
Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé
17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding”
Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas
Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far
One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength
How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future
I’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle games
The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”