Is GLADIATOR II’s Maximus/Lucius Revelation a Retcon or Confirmation?

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As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film and its intricate narratives, I find myself deeply engrossed in the debate surrounding the potential retconning of Lucius’ father’s identity in the upcoming Gladiator II.

“Lucius, take your father’s strength. His name was Maximus, and I see him in you.”

In the fresh trailer for “Gladiator II”, a stunning revelation unfolded in the Colosseum: Lucius, the latest character introduced, is not just any son of Lucialla, but also the child secretly born to General Maximus from the original “Gladiator”. This newfound kinship will significantly enhance Lucius’ tale as Rome’s surprising new champion. However, one may question whether this hidden relationship is merely a retcon (a device where previously established narrative elements are altered or introduced for new purposes) or if it was subtly hinted at in the original film. The answer hinges on how believable you find Lucialla’s supposed deceit.

The movie Gladiator doesn’t delve deeply into the specific reasons why Maximus and Lucilla parted ways long prior to the film’s timeline. What we do know is that they shared a profound love in their youth, and despite the passage of time and circumstances, they continued to harbor feelings for each other.

The film suggests several potential reasons for their separation, none involving Lucius. It’s clear that their relationship didn’t have a happy ending; they both seemed to bear deep wounds from the breakup. From their initial interactions, it’s evident that Lucilla and Maximus still carry the pain of their past split. This was a hurt only felt when losing someone deeply loved.

In due time, Lucilla found herself moving forward and even tied the knot. She and her deceased spouse welcomed a child, who is nearly eight years old, which coincidentally matches the age of Maximus’ son from his marriage.

Reflecting on that first chat between Lucius and Maximus in the movie Gladiator now, it’s hard not to feel a pang of “retroactive continuity” – or retcon for short – as I know Lucius is Maximus’ son. Every time they mention their children, it feels like a plot twist. The scene is thick with tension and suspicion; Maximus tries to extricate himself from the conversation several times. But whenever they discuss their kids, there’s a sudden softening, a momentary thaw in their icy exchanges. Their hostility and discomfort melts away, if only for a fleeting instant. As a gamer, I can’t help but feel like this hidden connection is the game-changing power-up that alters the course of their interaction!

On screen, Connie Nielsen’s acting suggests that the evidence might seem like Lucilla was hiding the truth from Maximus, but it appears differently in the narrative. Instead, it seems as if their children serve as the only thing keeping the ex-lovers apart because neither child has any connection to the other. The pain they both feel stems from their past relationship, which their kids were not a part of. Furthermore, throughout the entire film, Maximus never even considers the possibility that he is Lucius’ real father, nor do they share a resemblance. This implies that the two had separated more than a decade prior to the events depicted in the movie.

That reading also works within the context of the story, because shortly after this moment Commodus orders the murders of Maximus’ wife and son. The loss of his own child helps motivate Maximus to work with Lucilla, whom he resents yet cares for. Her entire motivation in the film becomes protecting her son from his maniacal Emperor uncle. She doesn’t care about avenging her father or making Rome a republic once more. She only wants to keep Lucius safe. And she convinces an angry and untrusting Maximus she needs help by appealing to him as a parent. That helps win over the honorable Maximus.

Although the parts showing Lucilla talking about her son with Maximus in Gladiator II seem to be a retroactive change (retcon), there are several strong arguments that suggest they may not be entirely so.

In simpler terms, we’re discussing an instance where a story or event within the fictional world is altered or explained differently in later installments, rather than changes made during the initial production of a work. This could happen through dialogue, flashbacks, or new episodes that provide additional context to previous events. It’s like when a book series reveals something unexpected about an earlier event, but within the same narrative timeline.

Lucilla confided in Maximus that she had always felt isolated throughout her life, but only when she was with him did she not feel alone. She also shared with him that her brother resented both her and their father for loving Maximus, as this affection was something Commodus longed for. Moreover, Lucilla knew all too well that her brother was dangerously unstable, and even she couldn’t restrain him in certain situations. Thus, she would never have—or indeed could have—revealed to Maximus that Lucius was his son while Commodus was still alive. Her primary concern following her brother’s murder of their father was ensuring Lucius’ safety, and the revelation of his paternity would have put him in grave danger.

She trusted Maximus to keep her song safe, but until Commodus was dead and Maximus ruled Rome, it was too dangerous to tell the General the truth. If Commodus ever found out his beloved nephew was really the child of the man he detested it would have meant Lucius’ head. Commodus would have done it, too. After the new Emperor found out his sister betrayed him he convincingly promised to kill his nephew if Lucilla so much as looked at her brother the wrong way ever again.

In the span of eight or nine years prior to the events portrayed in “Gladiator”, could it be that Lucilla concealed such a monumental secret from everyone, including Maximus, even with her father still alive? Given their apparent absence from each other’s lives during this time, it seems plausible. This theory might shed light on why they once shared a deep love but later harbored so much resentment towards each other, especially Maximus who held a greater grudge against her. If Lucilla, the unmarried daughter of the Emperor, was carrying the child of a Spanish soldier, it would have put everyone in grave danger, particularly Maximus. Hiding the truth was the only means to safeguard him.

It’s clear why Maximus was deeply hurt when she ended their relationship without explaining the real cause. And it’s understandable why she might have concealed the truth from him for all this time. Shortly after he murdered Commodus, the general passed away.

The question of whether Lucius’ father’s identity being changed in Gladiator II is convincing hinges on one point: Could Lucilla have effectively hidden the truth from both Lucius and viewers for so long? There’s no indication of a secret parentage in her dialogue, nor any subtle hints through her expressions. If she had been hiding it all along, she must have done an exceptional job, as even after multiple viewings of Gladiator, we find ourselves questioning if this new development is purely a device to create connections and meaning in the sequel. In other words, was Lucilla capable of such masterful deception?

Everything we learned about her in the film says yes. Her father gave her the highest praise when he told her, “If only you had been born a man, what a Caesar you would have made.” That spoke to her political skills and tactfulness. Senator Gracchus also extolled her self-control under pressure during a tense meeting with Commodus. He told Lucilla, “Your lightest touch commands obedience.” She also conspired against her brother while simultaneously manipulating him. And when an angry Maximus grabbed her throat and accused her of lying, she calmly explained how she’d lived every day since her father’s murder in quiet fear. Sharing her real emotions would only imperil her son. But she was always able to manage those, even from those she loved.

Lucilla was intelligent, resourceful, competent, and disciplined. Above all, she deeply cherished her son. If there was anyone who could conceal the hidden truth about Lucius’ father from Maximus, Rome, her own father Commodus, and everyone watching the movie Gladiator, it would be her. Therefore, even though you might question the sequel’s big reveal as a retcon (a change made to previously established facts), it remains a plausible one because we can imagine that Lucilla was skilled enough at keeping dangerous secrets hidden.

Mike Walsh, a regular contributor at TopMob, watched Gladiator four times in the theater upon its release. You can keep up with him on Twitter and Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. He’s also frequently found where the Targaryen kings are being ranked.

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2024-09-23 21:03