Gladiator II VFX team tackles epic challenges with unique creatures and innovative techniques

"Gladiator II," directed by Ridley Scott, features a larger scale than the original film, introducing elements like monkeys, rhinos, and sharks. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, a gladiator, in a story that expands the epic's action sequences. The visual effects team, including Neil Corbould and Mark Bakowski, faced unique challenges, such as incorporating hairless baboons into a key scene. They also redesigned the Colosseum to resemble the iconic setting from the first film, ensuring continuity. Production faced disruptions due to an actors' strike, leading to a shift in filming plans. The crew adapted by shooting a naval battle scene in a flooded Colosseum, using innovative techniques to blend footage from different locations.