The most obvious connection to Maximus inGladiator IIis Lucius.
Paul Mescal’s character is not only the son of Maximus, but his story is almost completely identical.
Just like Maximus fought as a gladiator for his murdered family, Lucius is doing the same.
However, Acacius later becomes a gladiator because he refuses to send more men to their deaths.
The beginning ofGladiatorquickly establishes that Maximus was an amazing general who led Rome to victory.
Arguably, Acacius' reflections on Maximus go beyond being a general.
Image via Paramount Pictures
Image via Paramount Pictures
