I’m excited to share the details on the latest development in the popcorn bucket wars—the highly anticipated arrival of the “ARena Popcorn Bucket” for the upcoming film Gladiator II.
After high-profile entries from franchises like Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine, the team behind Gladiator II has now entered the arena—or more accurately, entered the arena. The movie’s official social media accounts recently unveiled a video showcasing this lap-sized, circular Roman Colosseum, which is perfect for holding plenty of popcorn.
The AR-Enhanced Bucket
What makes this popcorn bucket truly unique is its augmented reality (AR) functionality. Fans can enjoy a visualized gladiator battle when they scan the QR code on the bucket. The promo language invites moviegoers to “finish the popcorn, scan the code, and let the games begin.”
According to the announcement, this AR-enabled Gladiator II popcorn bucket will be available exclusively at Cinemark theaters, though a few smaller exhibitors will also carry the item.
Expanding the Marketing Blitz
But the Gladiator II promotional campaign doesn’t stop at just popcorn buckets. Last month, Pepsi also dropped their “Roman Empire” TV spot featuring Queen’s “We Will Rock You” with Megan Thee Stallion. Ridley Scott Associates, Paramount Brand Studio, and Jake Scott, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, produced the spot, and Jake Scott, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, directed it.
In the ad, Megan Thee Stallion stars as Empress Megan, leading a group of NFL superstars-turned-Gridiron Gladiators, including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce, in an epic battle against Pepsi at the heart of the action. Saturday Night’s Lamorne Morris and Apples Never Fall actor Jake Lacy also make appearances.
Talking Cans and Movie Rewards
The marketing blitz doesn’t end there. Pepsi is also releasing a limited line of collector “Talking Cans” featuring its Gladiator II talent with built-in AR capabilities that bring the can characters to life. These specialty cans will hit store shelves in early November.
Additionally, there’s a Fandango $10M movie reward program where consumers can earn a ticket to Gladiator II after purchasing $20 worth of Pepsi products.
Bringing Back Gladiator
As for the film itself, Gladiator II sees the return of Ridley Scott to the director’s chair, along with a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger.
The sequel picks up years after the events of the original 2000 film, following the story of Lucius (played by Mescal), the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and grandson of the revered emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), leading the Roman forces, takes Lucius hostage after sending him away for his own protection. Resentful of Rome and his mother, Lucius agrees to become a gladiator in exchange for Acacius’ head, but he finds much more than just revenge waiting for him in the Colosseum.
Intense training and impressive action.
Both Mescal and Pascal underwent months of intense gladiator training to prepare for the air roles. Mescal says he “loved how distinct the fights are from each other” and is proud of how the physical toll on Lucius’ body is evident as the film progresses. Pascal describes the training as the “most physical” project of his career, promising fans will be impressed by the “incredible stuntwork.”
Political intrigue and animalistic urges
In addition to the epic action, Gladiator II also delves deeper into the political machinations of Rome, with the conniving twin emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn) vying for power. Connie Nielsen, who reprises her role as Lucilla, sees parallels between the film’s themes and real-world events.
The twins’ advisor, the wealthy and ruthless Macrinus (Denzel Washington), is another key player in the political game. Washington says his character “wants to be king” and “will use anyone or anybody” to achieve his goals.
Director Ridley Scott has also embraced the more “animalistic urges” of the characters, including the introduction of a live monkey as a companion for the unhinged Caracalla.
Honoring the Legacy
Despite introducing a new generation of characters, Gladiator II maintains a deep connection to the legacy of its predecessor. The revelation that Lucius is the biological son of Maximus (played by Russell Crowe in the first film) adds an extra layer of emotional weight to the story.
Mescal says the twist didn’t add too much pressure but did inspire him to find the differences between Lucius and his iconic father. “Maximus, to me, is looking to restore honor in Rome throughout the first film. I believe Lucius initiates this film with the intention of completely destroying it. And if he could burn it all down, he would,” Mescal explains.
As the anticipation builds for the release of Gladiator II on November 22, fans can look forward to a thrilling blend of intense action, political intrigue, and an exploration of the complex legacy of the original film. With the commitment to historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and a talented ensemble cast, this sequel promises to be an epic cinematic experience.
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