First trailer for Gladiator 2 has dropped

The long-awaited trailer has dropped for Gladiator 2 and we absolutely cannot wait. Take a look:

The sequel to the Russell Crowe classic has a new star in the role, with Normal People's Paul Mescal in the leading role this time.

Joining him on the film is Denzel Washington, playing a former slave seeking revenge on those who wronged him.

Add to that, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and May Calamawy, and you have a cast mixing some of the hottest upcoming actors with established titans like Denzel.

Fans are beyond hyped for the trailer, with many saying it marks the return of cinema.

One fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) said: "Cinema is back, looking great man."

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal star in the new film. (Paramount Pictures)

Another said: "This looks amazing", whilst one clearly had a particular star she was excited to see, tweeting: "OMG I can’t wait!!!! PEDRO MFing PASCAL!!!!!"

Many were unsure on the film, but the trailer has won over fans.

One tweeted: "Looks incredible. Was on the fence of them creating a second but I think it’s in great hands after watching the trailer. I am entertained!"

Russell Crowe himself has said he is 'uncomfortable' with the idea of another film.

He told Kyle Meredith: "I’m slightly uncomfortable with the fact they’re making another one — because, of course, I’m dead and I have no say in what gets done.

Paul Mescal takes over the mantle as the lead of the film. (Paramount Pictures)

"But a couple of the things I’ve heard I’m like ‘No, no, no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character’. But I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six foot under. So we’ll see what that is like."

The film picks up 20 years after the iconic original film's ending.

Spoilers (your fault if you haven’t seen it by now, though), but Crowe’s Maximus dies at the end.

Lucilla will be played by the returning Connie Nielsen in the sequel, and her son Lucius will be the star of the film played by Mescal.

After being moved by Maximus’ death – he decides to not take the role of Caesar.

Director Ridley Scott will be returning, following up on Napoleon with a return to arguably his most successful film.

Crowe won an Oscar for Gladiator. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

In large part due to the strikes, the budget for Gladiator 2 has ballooned, rumoured to be as high as $310 million.

While the film is sure to be a smash success, it will have a hard job living to the first film's performance at the Oscars.

With 12 nominations, it won five – including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Sound.

Debuting at CinemaCon, the trailer has fans excited to see the beloved characters back on screen.