Gladiator II title revealed along with first artwork and tagline at CinemaCon in Las Vegas… with the first footage expected to debut at the convention

The official title for Paramount’s highly-anticipated Gladiator sequel has been officially unveiled as Gladiator II.

Artwork from the sequel was spotted by CinePop at the annual Las Vegas exhibitor convention CinemaCon, where movie theater owners from around the world gather.

The title was seen on a shield affixed to a number of epic statues at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where the convention is held.

The shield also features the official tagline – ‘What we do in life echoes in eternity’ – a quote from Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius from the original Gladiator.

The first footage from the highly-anticipated sequel is expected to be shown during Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation at 10 AM on Thursday. 

The original classic earned $465 million worldwide from a $103 million budget  and won five Oscars including Best Picture after its theatrical run in 2000.

The story is set in 180 AD, following Maximus returning home after leading Roman forces to victory over Germanic tribes.

Meanwhile, his Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), is secretly murdered by his treacherous son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), after telling him he was unfit to rule.

After Maximus refused to pledge his loyalty to Commodus, he murdered his family, as Maximus is captured by slave traders as he must fight his way through various obstacles to get his vengeance against Commodus. 

The film from director Ridley Scott and writers David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson is still considered a classic.

While there had been talk of a sequel since 2001, it never fully came to fruition since 2018 when Paramount gave the project a green light.

As had been rumored for years, the sequel will center on Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of Commodus and son of Maximus’ former lover Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).

Lucius was previously portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the original Gladiator, who idolized Maximus for his battles.  

The sequel will be set after Maximus’ death, following Lucius, who has long thought that his mother is dead.

Denzel Washington also stars as as a character who’s name has yet to be revealed, described as a former slave turned wealthy arms dealer who hates emperors.  

The cast also includes Joseph Quinn as Emperor Caracalla, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Greta and Pedro Pascal in an unspecified role.

Original Gladiator stars Connie Nielsen (Lucilla) and Derek Jacobi (Senator Gracchus) are also slated to return.