Lucius is undoubtedly paying homage to the honourable Maximus, battling from under whereas having a a lot larger function.

Within the sequel, Lucius has been captured from his dwelling removed from Rome, and introduced there as a prisoner.

He turns into a gladiator, working for Macrinus, performed by Denzel Washington, who sponsors fighters very similar to Oliver Reed’s Proximo did within the first movie.

Lucius protects his birthright, saying he does not know the place he was born, including: “I by no means knew a mom and or father.”

“You may be my instrument,” Macrinus responds.

It seems that the dual emperors now in place – performed by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger – are additionally corrupt. We see them snort demonically whereas gladiators die of their mock water battle (which did occur in actual life, exterior).

Lucius’s mom, Lucilla, performed by Connie Nielsen within the authentic movie as properly, watches with horror whereas her son fights beneath her, though we do not know if she recognises him.

Nonetheless we see her take him full circle, again to Maximus, by giving him a hoop which belonged to the Roman normal earlier than he died.