Ridley Scott’s acclaimed sequel, Gladiator II, has fulfilled the long-awaited hopes of fans of the original film, which starred Russell Crowe, after a 24-year gap. However, upon its initial release, the film did not showcase the complete vision intended for this captivating project. A significant number of deleted scenes were excised to maintain a runtime of 148 minutes. Among these, ten pivotal scenes have been incorporated as special features in the film’s digital release for Blu-ray and digital download.
Despite the absence of an extended director’s cut from Scott that would include these additional scenes, they offer valuable context and intriguing insights into the plot. Notably, Denzel Washington’s much-publicized same-sex kiss scene did not make it into this collection. Nevertheless, the included scenes enrich the narrative, shedding light on new characters, including one who had a crucial speaking role ultimately omitted from the final cut.
1
Centho Bears Mark Of A Fugitive
Gladiator Trainer Viggo Makes Observations About His New Recruits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
The initial scene among the ten deleted clips revolves around Centho, a slave at Macrinus’ gladiator school, marked by a visibly disfigured face from recent beatings. The trainer, Macrinus, cautions his recruits about the price of getting caught, focusing the camera on Centho’s battered visage. Jana Carboni, the film’s makeup artist, shared insights into Centho’s design, including a sketch by Ridley Scott, although this character does not appear in the final film.
As the scene unfolds, trainer Viggo, portrayed by Lior Raz, comments on Centho, noting, “The mark of a fugitive.” This line hints at Centho’s failed escape from the gladiatorial confines, illustrating the brutal treatment slaves faced under the Roman Empire. This chilling clip underscores the harsh realities gladiators endured as they struggled for survival within an oppressive system.
2
Lucilla And The Emperors
Roman Emperors Caracalla And Geta Request Lucilla’s Adoption
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
The second deleted clip, one of the more extended segments, features Lucilla—daughter of the late Emperor Marcus Aurelius and sister to Commodus—meeting the reigning emperors, Geta and Caracalla, at their palace. This scene reveals a surprising request: the two emperors wish for Lucilla to adopt them as her sons, thereby establishing a family connection to the revered lineage of Marcus Aurelius.
This familial bond would not only enhance their reputational standing but also solidify their rule. The scene plays a crucial role in the overall narrative, as it emphasizes how the unpopular rulers seek legitimization through their association with Lucilla and her storied heritage.
3
Fortuna and Lucius At The Party
Macrinus’ Companion Bets On Lucius To Triumph In Combat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
One of two scenes featuring May Calamawy, Fortuna is seen betting on Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, before he faces an opponent at a celebration for the emperors. Although Fortuna’s character was controversially cut from the film—contributing to speculation about potential political motivations—this particular interaction demonstrates her faith in Lucius’s abilities, despite his modest response regarding the risk of her wager.
4
Lucilla Looks Out Of The Window
Lucilla Observes Imperial Guards Outside Her Villa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
This atmospheric clip depicts Lucilla as she gazes down upon the imperial guards stationed outside her villa, showcasing the tension between her and the current regime. This brief scene, laden with deep foreboding music, subtly hints at Lucilla’s aspirations to overthrow the emperors, thereby restoring the Roman Republic. Unfortunately for her, this plan never comes to fruition as she meets her demise at the hands of Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington, well before her son, Lucius, confronts that same killer.
5
Macrinus Sees Acacius Statue
Macrinus Declares His Ambition To Conquer Rome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
In a pivotal moment, Macrinus witnesses the unveiling of a statue honoring General Acacius, following his military victory over the Numidians. As he passes in his chariot, he menacingly proclaims, “Where they have failed, I shall succeed.” This decisive statement outlines Macrinus’s villainous intentions to usurp control of the Roman Empire, a notion that the audience gradually grasps throughout the film, making this scene more of an interesting foreshadowing device. Moreover, this provides a connection between Macrinus and the North African peoples oppressed by Rome, illustrating his personal vendetta against the regime that once enslaved him.
6
Lucilla In The Crypt
Lucilla Grieves Over What She Thinks Is Her Son Lucius
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
This emotional flashback showcases Lucilla in a crypt, distraught as she discovers a corpse in the Atlas Mountains—believed to be her son Lucius, who has been missing amid the conflict with the Numidians for fourteen years. Her grief-stricken reaction reveals why she did not attempt to reconnect with Lucius during their separation. However, it is eventually revealed that the body is not that of Lucius, emphasizing a poignant misunderstanding that profoundly affects Lucilla’s motivations throughout the film.
7
Fortuna Visits Lucius In His Cell
Fortuna Inquires About Lucius’ True Identity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
In another moment featuring Fortuna, she confronts Lucius in his gladiator cell, clearly demonstrating her affection for him. Although her attraction is evident, Fortuna is also motivated by a quest for truth regarding Lucius’s identity. Despite being the grandson of an emperor, Lucius is thought to be North African after being captured in Numidia. Fortuna suspects there is more to his past than meets the eye. Should this scene have remained in the final cut, it could have paved the way for a compelling subplot examining Lucius’ journey towards self-discovery.
8
Lucilla Mourns Acacius
Lucilla Cries Over Acacius’ Body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
In a brief and emotionally resonant scene, Lucilla mourns the death of her husband, Acacius, who was executed in the Colosseum following their conspiracy against the tyrannical emperors. The plot involved both Lucilla and Senator Thraex in a failed attempt to overthrow the ruling regime. Unfortunately, following the betrayal by Thraex, Acacius’s fate was sealed, leaving Lucilla to grieve a loss that severely impacts her character arc.
9
Ravi Hands Out The Keys
Gladiators’ Doctor Offers Blessings Before Battle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
Ravi, a compassionate doctor in Gladiator II, tends to the combatants’ wounds while offering each gladiator a blessing before they face their opponents. Having once been enslaved himself, Ravi speaks to the gladiators empathetically, declaring, “My gods are not your gods, but today my gods will be with you.” The significance of this moment echoes later when Lucius requests all the keys from Ravi to orchestrate a liberation effort against Macrinus. This scene, while not critical to understanding the plot, adds depth to Ravi’s character and cements his role in the impending conflict.
10
Macrinus Greets Caracalla
A Dark Joke Between Macrinus and Caracalla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFWwA_9EPc
In the concluding deleted scene of Gladiator II‘s digital release, Emperor Caracalla, played by Fred Hechinger, shares an unsettling exchange with Macrinus as they prepare for a public event. Their conversation humorously notes the absence of Caracalla’s brother, Geta, which underscores the dark undertones of their recent violent actions against him.
This scene’s humor does not resonate well, especially considering the gravity of Geta’s murder, making it a wise choice for exclusion from the final cut, ultimately benefiting the film’s tone.