Warning: This article contains spoilers for Gladiator 2.Gladiator 2is Ridley Scott’s latest historical epic, set many years after the events of the original movie and focusing on Lucius (Paul Mescal), who follows in the footsteps of Russell Crowe’s previous protagonist Maximus, as he journeys back to Rome to learn the truth about Maximus' quest for democracy and enact revenge on the general who killed his wife.Gladiator 2’s storyis a powerful narrative about hope and self-sacrifice, much like the first, but is framed this time from the perspective of a young man wanting to fulfill the dream that his father set into motion.
The character of Lucius first appeared in the originalGladiator, where he was said to be the child of the Emperor’s sister Lucilla (Connie Neilsen) and politician Lucius Verus. At the end of that film, Lucius unknowingly gives away Maximus' plot to overthrow the Imperium and accidentally implicates his mother too, who later decides to help Maximus to ensure the boy’s safety. AfterGladiator’s emotional ending,Lucius is sent away to Africa to keep him safefrom those who would kill him to extinguish his claim to the throne.
Lucius Goes By “Hanno” In Gladiator 2 - What The Name Means
The Name Is A Sign That Lucius Has Shunned His Family
When Lucius is reintroduced inGladiator 2, he’s settled into his new life in Africa and goes by the name Hanno,which is an old German name meaning “God is gracious.” The name is necessary for Lucius to remain undercover in his new life, primarily because he doesn’t want to be known for who he truly is. Yet he also uses the name because he is determined to leave his birth family behind as he believes they abandoned him.
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Lucius' name change proves itself to be crucial when he’s captured by the Roman Legion inGladiator 2’s first act, forced to return to Rome and face the Emperors themselves.The name Hanno was extremely common in Ancient Rome, both in its frequency and status, so neither Emperor truly paid attention to his true identity. This works to Lucius' advantage, as he’s able to reconnect with his mother in secret and work in the shadows to rebuild the revolution that Maximus started.
Why Lucius Hid His True Identity Until Gladiator 2’s Ending
ThroughoutGladiator 2, Lucius is conflicted by complete apathy for the Roman Empire and his desire to live up to his father’s legacy. The name Hanno initially gives him some anonymity, allowing him to pass through Rome without being noticed — he even lies to his mother about who he truly is. However, eventually, when he sees the injustice of Rome for himself,Lucius adopts his real identity again as the legitimate heir of Marcus Aureliusand stands against Macrinus' (Denzel Washington) army. It’s a poetic way forGladiator 2to reference the originalwhile sticking true to its key theme of legacy.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
