Gladiator 2 Almost Featured an Unexpected Lucilla Plot Twist with the Emperors

The recent digital release of Gladiator II has unveiled several deleted scenes, sparking significant discussion among fans. Some of these omitted segments have incited outrage over their exclusion from the theatrical version, while others have demonstrated that leaving them out actually benefitted the film’s narrative coherency. Now available for streaming on Paramount+, Gladiator II originally featured multiple scenes featuring Emperors Geta and Caracalla, which offered deeper insights into their ruthless quest for power.

One particularly provocative deleted scene showcases an unusual request made of Lucilla, providing a glimpse into a different trajectory her character might have taken before her climactic conclusion in the film. The character dynamics reveal the chaotic and ambitious nature of the Emperors, standing in stark contrast to Lucius and Lucilla, who strive to uphold the ideals cherished by Marcus Aurelius.

The Proposal from Geta & Caracalla to Lucilla

A Disturbing Proposal Reveals the Emperors’ Ambitions

Among the deleted scenes, there exists a poignant moment where the Emperors, Geta and Caracalla, attempt to coax Lucilla into adopting them. As the scene unfolds, Lucilla inquires about the reason for their presence, to which Caracalla suggests that a proposal is at hand, inviting Geta to elaborate. Geta then states, “In your father’s time, an Emperor who lacked a son would adopt another as his heir.”

Lucilla, quick to grasp their intentions, directly asks what they seek.“Adopt us as your sons, ” Caracalla boldly demands. To emphasize their point, Geta argues that she would “enjoy much greater benefits” should she agree to this proposal. Caracalla ominously adds, “And you have no son of your own. Your son died, did he not?” This unsettling exchange continues with Geta asserting that Lucilla is “past childbearing age, ” while Caracalla’s unsettling compliment, “though not undesirable, ” adds a chilling layer to the scene.

This interaction marks a significant moment in Gladiator II, where both Emperors are still viewed as coherent in their ambitions, yet Caracalla’s ominous undertones echo the dark legacy of Commodus from the original Gladiator film. Throughout the scene, Lucilla’s stoic demeanor reveals her strength, resisting the probing questions about her deceased son.

The Strategic Motivation Behind the Adoption Request

Enhancing their Rule’s Legitimacy Through Lucilla’s Adoption

Emperors Geta and Caracalla’s proposition to be adopted by Lucilla signifies a potential strategy to legitimize their reign and appeal to the loyalty of those aligned with the noble lineage of Rome. Their desire to portray a unified front for stability and order starkly contrasts the chaotic means through which they ascended to power.

However, this request places Lucilla in a precarious position. While it could provide her a modicum of protection, it constrains her autonomy. Additionally, it complicates matters for General Acacius, Lucilla’s husband, drawing him deeper into the political turmoil he yearns to escape.

Lucilla and Acacius’s ambitions in Gladiator II revolve around reclaiming Rome from the grip of Geta and Caracalla by force—a sentiment that Acacius, burdened by bloody campaigns on behalf of the fraternal Emperors, wholeheartedly supports. Accepting the adoption would undoubtedly make Lucilla’s objective of reestablishing Lucius, her presumed dead son, more complex and contradictory.

Although Lucilla and Acacius aim to keep Hanno’s identity concealed and facilitate his escape amidst their rebellion, adopting the Emperors while plotting their overthrow would send a confusing message. The intricacies of this deleted scene present a fascinating potential path for Lucilla and Acacius, indicating a plan to bring their foes closer before betraying them. Ultimately, they chose the more honorable route of rebellion and established a clear stand against tyranny in Gladiator II.

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