
In the film titled “Gladiator II,” director Ridley Scott follows up on his 2000 hit movie “Gladiator” by introducing us to a fresh chapter set in ancient Rome. Familiar characters, new champions, and power-hungry rulers fill the screen, inviting viewers back to this iconic era. Although there are certain historical inconsistencies in “Gladiator II,” several of the characters depicted on screen were real figures from Imperial Rome. For instance, Lucilla (previously played by Connie Neilsen) and Emperors Caracalla and Geta (portrayed by Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn) were genuine historical personalities. In addition, the real Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal’s character) and Macrinus (Denzel Washington’s role), although quite different from their portrayals in “Gladiator II,” did indeed exist.