With "Gladiator II," Sir Ridley Scott will make something rare in his filmography: A direct sequel. This is something he has only done before in "Alien: Covenant." But unlike that movie, "Gladiator II" has been decades in the works, with the script evolving from a bonkers story of resurrection and time travel to a story not featuring Maximus Decimus Meridius at all, much to Russell Crowe's discomfort. 

Instead, the story follows Lucius, the young kid from the first movie and the son of Empress Lucilla,  as Lucius is sold into slavery and eventually becomes a gladiator. Inspired by the story of Maximus, he decides to take his revenge against twin emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), in the ring. Revenge in the ring, of course, involves everything from fighting rhinos to participating in the incredibly dangerous and incredibly impressive (and real!) naumachia naval battles. The film boasts...