If you weren't entertained enough by 2000's blockbuster Gladiator, then it's time to try again as Ridley Scott's Ancient Roman epic returns for a second instalment.
The sequel jumps forward in time to focus on Lucius Verus, who appeared as Maximus' child in the first film (now played by Paul Mescal), as an adult. When his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors, he is sold into slavery and must compete as a gladiator.
After 24 years in the making, the film has opened to box office success, with many fans keen to know where Gladiator II was filmed. With sunbaked locations such as Malta, Morocco and even Sussex standing in for the Eternal City, we take a look at Gladiator II's filming locations.
Gladiator II filming locations
Morocco
Known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, the Moroccan province of Ouarzazate was used extensively in filming for Gladiator and Gladiator II. Under the awe-inspiring High Atlas mountains, it's no stranger to film and TV sets – filming for Star Wars, The Mummy (1999) and Game of Thrones has also taken place there. Atlas Studios was founded in 1983 and as many parts of film sets have been left behind, it's become a popular tourist destination for fans.
Many of Gladiator II's desert sequences and hand-to-hand combat scenes are believed to have been filmed in Morocco, with an arena specially built for the shoot.
Malta
Many of the Roman scenes in the original Gladiator were shot in Malta, so it made sense for the sequel to return to the archipelago. Fort Ricasoli, in the village of Kalkara, was transformed thanks to extensive set building – including an amphitheatre the size of a football pitch to replicate the Colosseum. Fans of the film franchise were quick to spot that some of the sets could be seen on Google Earth images.
Devil's Dyke, Sussex
In only slightly less sandy and sunny climes, a stir was caused when reports emerged that Paul Mescal had been spotted near Brighton as part of Gladiator II reshoots in summer 2024.
Crowds of extras were kitted out in Ancient Roman military wear for the scenes filmed at Devil's Dyke Farm. This deep valley, in the South Downs near Brighton, was used for the crucial climactic battle scenes where Rome's fate would be decided.
Ridley Scott filming Gladiator 2 at Devil's Dyke!! pic.twitter.com/v5EESe1YkQ
— Tom Benford (@tom_benford) June 8, 2024
It's not the first time that Ridley Scott has used an unexpected UK filming location – Bourne Wood in Surrey was used in Gladiator's opening fight scene. The director took advantage of the Forestry Commission's plans to remove some of the woods, so obtained permission to burn it as part of the epic battle.
Lots of excitement here is Sussex as Gladiator 2 is filming on the Downs behind Brighton. In this shot taken by a paraglider you can see the ramparts of the Devil's Dyke hillfort with what seems to be Roman soldiers to the right. #HillfortsWednesday pic.twitter.com/rr5ksXGaOs
— Dr Matt Pope (@MatthewPope) June 12, 2024
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