Maximus was a towering central presence in the originalGladiator.

However, followingGladiator II’s second major trailer, Maximus' character now has an additional dimension.

This development confirms a relationship that fans had long-theorized about instantly transforming both the sequel and the original story.

Gladiator II Official Poster

Their initial exchanges in Germania are charged with tension and their chemistry is obvious.

Lucilla even asked Maximus if it was “really so terrible seeing me again?”

hinting at both a turbulent past and lingering attachment.

Lucius Lucilla and Maximus standing as a trio

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

The fact that the two romantically reconnect later in the story only makes Lucius' parentage easier to understand.

There are also several other subtle clues in the original movie.

This immediately makes Lucius a more interesting protagonist and makes the movie feel more essential.

Lucilla Gladiator

Custom Image by Debanjana Chowdhury

It also suggests that some of Maximus' concerns will continue into this new story.

Lucius' Maximus connection could position him to finally see his father’s and grandfather’s ambition realized.

Retrospectively, it has a huge impact on Maximus' story in the original film.

Paul Mescal’s Lucius rubs his hands with dirt in Gladiator 2, with a picture of Russell Crowe’s Maximus on the right

Custom Image by Debanjana Chowdhury

However,knowing that Lucius is Maximus' son puts a completely different spin on things.

More than 20 years after the original Gladiator, the sequel arrived in 2024.

Here is everything you better know about Gladiator 2.

A composite image of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from Gladiator over a picture of Paul Mescal

It’s not clear whether Maximus had any knowledge of his link with Lucius.

However, it does make the consequences of his actions feel even more seismic.

Further, there’s the uncomfortable prospect that Maximus cheated on his wife with Lucilla.

Headshot Of Paul Mescal In The 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs)

Given that bothhis dead son and Lucius are the same age, the overlap is undeniable.

Beyond the broad brushstrokes of the story, there are more subtle connections between the two.

The father-son relationship only serves to make this more explicit.

Headshot Of Pedro Pascal In The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

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Gladiator II