Paul Mescal tries his best to rise up to Russel Crowe's act from Part One, but the film suffers by comparisons and callbacks.

“This is politicsss,” purrs Macrinus, the prime merchant of gladiators, into the ears of an obliging senator. This is also ...

Lucius seeks revenge against Acacius and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who plots to overthrow the emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).

Pedro Pascal stars as General Acasius, while Denzel Washington takes on the role of Macrinus. In this sequel, Paul Mescal ...