Gladiator II Premieres at Tokyo International Film Festival Ahead of its Japanese Release

As excitement builds for its November 15th release, Gladiator II: Voice of the Hero had its Japanese debut at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival. The cast, gathered in Tokyo for the premiere, expressed their admiration for legendary director Ridley Scott during a lively talk event.

This sequel to the iconic Gladiator (2000), which won five Oscars—including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe—expands upon the gripping world Scott famously created. Known for other cinematic masterpieces like Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), The Martian (2015), and House of Gucci (2021), Scott’s contribution to the world of film is immeasurable, cementing his status as a living legend.

At the premiere, the cast included lead actor Paul Mescal, making his first trip to Japan; Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, returning after an 11-year absence; Connie Nielsen, the sole returning cast member from the original film; and Fred Hechinger, who plays the tyrannical Emperor Caracalla. Together, they offered heartfelt tributes to Scott’s unparalleled influence in shaping the world of cinema.

Mescal, reflecting on his role, said, “It’s an honor to portray a character evolving from vengeance to heroism. It’s a dream role for any actor.” The film, set in the golden age of Rome, follows Lucius (Mescal), who is thrust into the brutal gladiatorial arena after the tragic loss of his family. Captured and sold to the mysterious slave trader Macrinus (Washington), Lucius is forced to fight for survival in the unforgiving Colosseum, where only the strongest prevail.

The film’s action sequences, particularly the Colosseum battles, were a significant focal point for the cast. Mescal described the intense training and filming process, saying, “We spent three to four weeks shooting relentless action scenes. The battles are bigger, more intense, and technically evolved, incorporating larger set pieces and animals—designed to thrill audiences.”

When asked about his high-energy performance, Mescal humorously credited “Ridley!” with Washington adding, “He’s 26, of course!”—which drew laughs from the audience. Mescal went on to explain, “Ridley inspires adrenaline in every scene. This is a dream set, working on a beloved sequel. If that doesn’t bring out the energy, acting may not be for me!”

Washington, who previously collaborated with Scott on American Gangster (2007), shared his reasons for joining the sequel: “It’s an Oscar-winning story with extraordinary characters and a brilliant script, not to mention working with an incredible director. Ridley always says, ‘70-80% of a movie is casting,’ and with that trust, we actors can focus entirely on our performances.”

Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla, discussed how the Roman Empire is depicted in the sequel. “The Rome we see here is more lavish and corrupt, an evolution captured beautifully through Scott’s direction. With advanced technology, he was able to bring his vision of Rome to life,” she said. “Ridley’s attention to cinematic detail was key in recreating this world.”

Fred Hechinger, who plays the twin emperor, Caracalla, shared his awe at the immersive set. “Every angle felt like ancient Rome, thanks to Ridley’s use of 8 to 12 cameras running simultaneously. The scale was impressive, and as an emperor, I had a shaded royal seat—it was an elegant touch,” he said. “Ridley’s multi-camera technique captured every perspective, making each scene immediate and seamless for the audience.”

The film’s premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival marks a milestone as Gladiator II is the first centerpiece film in the festival’s history. Attended by 100 enthusiastic fans, the event was a resounding success, with attendees responding eagerly to the star-studded cast.

Reflecting on his experience playing a man driven by vengeance, Mescal remarked, “It was an actor’s dream to portray this character. His journey is one of vengeance that slowly shifts toward heroism.”

Washington, smiling at his first Japanese appearance in over a decade, added, “It’s always a pleasure to work with Ridley. We actors simply need to focus on our performances, knowing that he’ll capture every angle and make the story come to life.”

Nielsen noted the thematic shift of the sequel, pointing out the Empire’s increasing corruption and power struggles. “Scott subtly portrays Rome’s decline, and I hope viewers notice this transformation as they watch,” she said. Hechinger also noted the impressive scale of the set, commenting, “The detail and scope are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

The film’s intense action scenes involved a lot of physicality, with Mescal recalling his challenging shoot: “We filmed for three to four weeks, battling atop massive ships, rhinoceroses, and even baboons. The stakes have never been higher, and new technology made these scenes even more thrilling.”

Washington humorously reflected on the action, saying, “This one was easier—I mostly watched from the sidelines!” He also praised Scott’s casting decisions, saying, “When Ridley chooses you for a role, you trust him completely to make the best film possible.”

Hechinger elaborated on Scott’s use of multi-angle cameras, which allowed the filmmakers to capture each perspective in real-time. “It was as if the audience could experience the action through everyone’s eyes simultaneously,” he said.

When asked how he maintained such high energy throughout filming, Mescal credited Scott: “Ridley brought adrenaline to every single moment. If this set doesn’t fuel you, then maybe acting isn’t for you!” he joked.

One audience member mentioned the shock of learning Lucius is Maximus’s son, spilling their drink in surprise. Nielsen shared, “I didn’t know how the story would unfold either, but there was something deeply emotional about introducing young Lucius to Maximus in the original Gladiator.”

Actor Ai Hashimoto, a juror at the film festival, warmly presented flowers to the cast as a gesture of appreciation.

Discussing their experiences in Japan, Nielsen expressed her admiration for the Shichi-Go-San festival at Meiji Shrine, where children dress in traditional attire. Mescal and Hechinger enjoyed some lighthearted karaoke at Golden Gai, performing songs like Shania Twain’s “Still the One,” The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.”

The anticipation surrounding Gladiator II continues to build, with a red carpet event set for November 5th, where 1,000 fans are expected to attend. The nationwide release in Japan is just around the corner, with the film opening on November 15th.

https://gladiator2.jp