Movies News Talk
Set to introduce a fresh generation of characters, the much awaited follow-up to Ridley Scott's epic Gladiator, Gladiator 2, is Although the movie honors some well-known actors from the original, the teaser points out a major lost possibility—the absence of Juba, Djimon Hounsou's character.
With a firm ending, the first Gladiator left some viewers wondering about the comeback of some of the characters in the sequel. Juba's absence leaves a void that might have enhanced the story, even if it is reasonable that some characters might not show due of age or the events of the first movie.
Like its predecessor, Gladiator 2 tells a story of revenge driven. Center stage is Paul Mescal's Lucius, who appears in the original movie under a different actor. Lucius finds himself enslaved and thrown into the cruel realm of gladiatorial battle in the Colosseum after his house is attacked by a Roman army. This story arc mirrors Russell Crowe's Maximus's trip in the first movie.
The narrative of Lucius offers a natural path for Juba's comeback, so fostering a possible mentoring relationship that would have especially connected with viewers. Offering a link to the past and the legacy of Maximus, Juba—a character renowned for his wisdom and fortitude—could have guided Lucius through the hard reality of gladiator training and the arena.
The Gladiator 2 teaser revealed that Juba was first supposed to feature in the sequel. Still, events kept Djimon Hounsou from assuming the role. Still, the movie's plot offered several interesting approaches to include Juba, so providing a spectrum of narrative possibilities.
Juba as a Guide
Juba's mentoring role for Lucius would clearly be to help him negotiate the demands of gladiator training and the arena. Juba's gladiator experience and his relationship to Maximus could have given Lucius insightful analysis and encouragement, so bridging the past and the present.
Juba, Veteran Fighter
Juba might have instead been shown as a seasoned and fierce fighter, like the character Tigris of Gaul from the first movie. Emphasizing his ongoing relevance in the gladiatorial environment despite the passage of time, this would have highlighted his continuous strength and skills.
Juba as a possible antagonist
Unbelievably, Juba might have been portrayed as an enemy. He might have had to act against Lucius's interests as a slave, so generating a conflict between the two. This would have investigated the intricacies of slavery and gladiator control in Roman society. This road would have given the story an interesting layer of complexity even if it contradicts Juba's admirable portrayal in the original movie.
Although fans find it disappointing when Juba is absent, in the framework of the movie's universe, this is a logical choice. Given Juba's slavery status and the brutal reality of gladiatorial fighting, his survival over the years is doubtful.
Though stylized, the way Rome is portrayed in the movie keeps some realism. The first movie featured only one undefeated fighter: Tigris. Juba's inclusion in Gladiator 2, particularly as a seasoned fighter, might have stretched the credibility line.
Juba's absence is a reasonable decision even if his presence would have enhanced the story since the harsh reality of slavery and the risks of gladiatorial combat make his survival unlikely over the years. Gladiator 2 promises to create a gripping narrative with a fresh generation of characters, notwithstanding the lost chance.