18 Ways to Give Back at Your Wedding

Kathryn Wahl
Jul 02, 2015

Becoming and remaining socially conscious in your everyday life is becoming easier and easier. We can buy jewelry, bags, headphones and candles that will help improve the lives of others. When it comes to your wedding — a day that’s mostly all about you — it’s nice to know you extended your joy to the lives of others even if it was in a small way. You can contribute in the gifts you give to your wedding party, the wine you choose to serve and even with the dress you walk down the aisle in. Say “I Donate” while saying “I Do” with these 18 ways to give back.

1. Seeded Invitations: Print your invitations on seed paper, then your guests can plant it and watch the wildflowers (or herbs) grow by the time you say “I do!” No one has to feel bad about contributing to the growing waste problem because you gave back in a very green way. Eco-friendly invites are also a cool environmentally and socially responsible route to take. (via Botanical Paperworks)

2. Barcode Scan: Here’s a quick and easy way for guests to view your list of charities by having a scannable barcode. (Photo via CarolineRo)

3. Charitable Wine: Serve others while you serve drinks. Benefit Wines and One Hope Wine lets you shop by cause, and a percentage of the proceeds are donated to the charity of your choice. (Photos via Benefit Wines and One Hope At Home)

4. TOMS Shoes: You can’t go wrong with some TOMS (for every pair of shoes, they give a pair to a child in need). Their wedding collection has options for the whole wedding party. (via Brandon Shafer)

5. Caffeinated Causes: If you’re having a barista at your wedding or are giving beans away as a favor, choose a company that’s helping make the world and the lives of others a better place. (via Jack Boyd Art)

6. Plan a Charitable Outing: Instead of hosting a bachelor/bachelorette party or luncheon, consider having a charitable outing where you can all bond over something more meaningful than making wedding favors. (Photo via Lucky Shops)

7. Donate Your Flowers: Companies such as Full Bloom “recut, repurpose and recycle donated, gently used blooms into beautiful bedside bouquets for patients in hospitals, hospice care, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.” (via Full Bloom)

8. Little Gifts: A great addition to gift baggies for your girls on your bachelorette or wedding day can include an organic/fair trade lip balm such as these from Poppy Soap Co. 5% of the sales go to women shelters in the U.S. (via Poppy Soap Co)

9. Donate or Buy a Wedding Dress: Companies such as The Bride Project have a collection of used dresses and bridal salon-donated dresses for sale. Plus, proceeds go to families affected by cancer. (via The Brides Project)

10. A Gift Within a Gift: You can give back without leaving your guests empty handed by gifting them a card with the donation on their behalf, a sugar cookie for humans and a treat for their pup. (via Marry This)

11. A SoKind Registry: Here’s a registry where you can personalize what you really need and care about as opposed to just products. Registry items include experiences, homemade goods and charitable donations. (via SoKind Registry)

12. Truffles for a Cause: Another gift-within-a-gift idea, these gourmet chocolates are included with part of your purchase and give a gift to a charity of your choice. (via Truffles For a Cause)

13. Cards for Causes: Even when the wedding is over, you can continue to give with your “Thank You” cards. CFC donates “20% of the revenue generated by a customer’s order to a charity selected by the customer.” (via Cards for Causes)

14. Give Back Gift Table: Create a display table of gifts that represent the most important causes to you and your families. (via One.org)

15. Guest’s Choice Donations: List your favorite philanthropic causes and have guests choose which one they feel most connected to by writing a little note and placing it in a jar. (via Philip Ficks)

16. Donate Leftover Food: Many food pantries, banks and rescue programs will benefit from the food you would have otherwise thrown out. Check with your local food bank and caterer about what kind of food is accepted. (via The Daily Meal)

17. Charity Wedding Venues: If you haven’t booked a location yet, consider choosing a venue such as a historical home, university, museum or nature preserve owned by a non-profit. Your rental fee will go toward a good cause. Or try a charity-owned venue that’s set up to give part of your rental fees to a righteous cause. (Photo via Luke & Mallory Photography)

18. Buy Conflict-Free Diamonds: Buy conflict-free and fair-trade jewelry for yourself and your fiancé. (Photo via Etsy)

Have you found other meaningful ways to make a difference? If so, share them with us in the comments.

(Additional reporting by Ginger Rudolph)

How To Respectfully Decline Being A Bridesmaid Without Ending A Friendship

27 Dresses is a fun story until you think about how much Jane (Kathryn Heigl) spent for each and every one of those weddings. There are engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry — I mean the list of costly responsibilities goes on and on and on. Imagine doing that 27 times.

Wedding events aren't just a casual affair anymore either — the financial obligations for wedding guests and bridal parties continue to rise steadily. According to a 2023 study from The Knot, the average cost of a bridesmaid's dress is $130. Business Insider reports that you can expect to spend $1,200 for bachelorette parties on average. Just being a wedding guest alone has an average price tag of $580, according to another study by The Knot. Suddenly, from your dress to the destination bach to the delicate (and likely expensive) stemware you got the couple as a gift, you're potentially spending thousands of dollars on a wedding that's not even your own.

And while you likely love the bride asking you to be in her wedding party very much...is there a way you can politely decline? Especially if you're trapped for cash or trying to save for a major financial goal? HerFirst100k's Tori Dunlap would like to think so! And it doesn't have to be this friendship-altering event either. With Dunlap's tips, you should be well on your way to the happy couple's good graces without paying an arm and a leg to earn it.

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics

When turning down a bridesmaid offer, Dunlap suggest using the "sandwich method" here — AKA saying something complimentary, giving the bad news, and ending on another positive, complimentary note. Seems simple enough, right?

She suggest saying, "I'm so excited for your wedding! Thank you so much for thinking of me! I am so honored. However, at this time I really can't afford the commitment of being a bridesmaid, but I would love to support you in any other way I can."

With this phrasing Dunlap says you're accomplishing three key things:

  1. Setting expectations
  2. Validating the friendship
  3. Maintaining your own financial boundaries
In doing this, you're ensuring that you've done and said everything you can kindly and upfront so that you don't leave the bride on the hook or disappointed. This should keep your relationship in tact — and if it doesn't, that maybe says more about the situation than your polite decline. Regardless, now you don't have to worry about going into debt for someone else's wedding, so you're able to spend mindfully and maintain your personal finance goals.

How would you decline being a bridesmaid? Let us know in the comments, and follow the convo on Facebook!

Header image via Caleb Oquendo

financial advicepersonal financewedding advicewedding etiquettewedding partyweddings

Tyra Banks Shares Her Brilliant Idea For 'Life-Size 3' — Including Lindsay Lohan

Can you believe it's been over 20 years since the Lindsay Lohan and Tyra Banks classic, Life -Size premiered? This is enough to make some millennials shudder — especially those of us who still know every word to "Be A Star." In the era of Barbie and Bratz and Polly Pocket, this film definitely stuck with us since its debut.

And apparently, we're not the only ones! Tyra Banks recently dished about an idea she has for Life-Size 3, and it's triggering allllllll the nostalgia. Keep scrolling to see what she said — and to revisit what makes this franchise so great!

Is there a 'Life-Size 3?'

The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean

Tyra Banks appeared on The Drew Barrymore Showyesterday during the Drews News segment, and she gave us an exciting update on the matter. They initially talked about Tyra's ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM, before co-hosts Drew Barrymore and Ross Matthews asked if there's a chance fans will get to see Life-Size 3. The supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur laughed and said, "I feel like we should do one!" Of course this made the crowd burst into screams and rounds of applause.

Not only does she think they should make Life-Size 3, but Tyra already has an entire plot in mind! She said, "What if she [Lindsay Lohan as Casey Stuart], in some of kind of way, magically turned into a doll? And then my Eve character had to teach her how to be a doll. I feel like that could be very interesting."

Now, whether this dreamy plot becomes a reality, well that's a different story.

Is 'Life-Size 3' in the works?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

When Ross Matthews asked Tyra if she can actually bring Life-Size 3 to life, she didn't verbally say anything. Instead, she nodded which made the host exclaim, "Done! Thank you! Thank you, Tyra Banks." However, nothing's been officially announced...yet!

The first time Tyra hinted she's open to reprising her role as Eve was on Instagram in August. She expressed excitement about the Polly Pocket Airbnb in her captions, even tagging Lindsay Lohan. "Oh Polly Pocket, so small in size but BIG in memories and inspiration! 💛 I know so many girls who put you in their pocket and sometimes would find you in the back of the washing machine! 🫧 😂 I’m sure so many kids that loved my Life-Size movie thought of you while watching it…guess it’s time to visit this lil place and dream up another script. What say you, @lindsaylohan? xo Eve/TyTy," she wrote.

What is 'Life-Size' about?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

If you've never seen Life-Size, we're sad for you — just kidding! The film revolved around pre-teen Casey Stuart's (Lindsay Lohan) life after her mom died. She's become withdrawn from her former friends and somehow has made it to the football team at her school. At some point she stumbles across a book of spells and believes it's the thing she needs to bring her mom back. But, the spell goes awry and breathes life into one of her dolls, Eve (Tyra Banks).

A series of mishaps and heartbreak happen over the course of the film, but viewers get to see the profound effect Eve has on Casey before she returns back to her original form.

What happened in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Life Size 2 had a difference scenario from the first film being that it doesn't exactly have anything to do with a pre-teen girl. The focus was on Grace (Francia Raisa), the CEO of Marathon Toys, and her inability to find joy in life. Fans of Life-Size know that the Eve doll was a product of Marathon Toys so it's not shocking that Eve herself senses that Grace needs her help.

Did Lindsay Lohan appear in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Not quite — she made a brief cameo without actually appearing in the movie. Life-Size 2 writer, Cameron Fay explained to TV Line, "Well, the first draft actually had Casey in the movie. That was something Tyra really wanted...But when we realized it wasn’t going to happen, the idea had to shift."

Wanting to find a way to include Lindsay's character some kind of way, Fay was inspired to make it seem that 'Casey' reached out to Grace in a way that felt authentic.

Where can I watch 'Life-Size' and 'Life-Size 2'?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Unfortunately Life-Size isn't available to stream, nor has it recently appeared on cable TV. It's not quite clear why you can't watch Life-Size on platforms like Disney+, but this Reddit thread has the closest thing that answers on why it's so hard to watch.

Right now you can buy Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve on Amazon Prime for $6.

Follow us on TikTok and Facebook for updates about Life-Size 3!

lindsay lohannostalgiamovie newsentertainment

12 Sweet Bridesmaid Gift Ideas That Show Your Appreciation For Your Bridal Party

You've already picked your wedding date and the close friends you want to be by your side on your special day, but there's still one thing you need to do: sort through bridesmaid gift ideas! While you don't have to go all-out with a bridesmaid "proposal" gift basket (though those are super cute), I'm a firm believer in showing people how much you appreciate them (and their time) by sometimes surprising them with a gift or two. Don't know where to start? I've got you're back. Here are 12 sweet bridesmaid gift ideas, from adorable accessories to beloved beauty products, that'll be remembered for a lifetime!

Fujifilm UO Exclusive INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera

One really lovely bridesmaid gift you can gift someone is this compact instant camera! It has a built-in selfie mirror, comes with flash control for the perfect exposure, and will totally remind you of all your fave Instagram pics circa 2014. Plus, your friend will get super cute pics in less than 10 seconds!

Skims Hotel Shine Short Sleeve Button Up Sleep Set (Snow)

If your maid of honor can't stop talking about Bridgerton, surprise her with a sleep set that she can comfortably lounge in while binge watching every season. The drawstring shorts have an elastic waist so she'll be able to adjust them as she pleases.

Peas Pink Memory Custom Fluffy Slippers

Who doesn't love fluffy slippers? They'll definitely be appreciated the morning of your wedding as you and your bridesmaids are getting ready, but I'd like to think their wear goes way beyond one day. And when they're personalized, your bridesmaids will know you took great care to get this thoughtful gift for them.

If you want, you can even get yourself a pair so everyone can take cute and coordinated 'getting ready' pics!

Papier Tulip Vase Wellness Journal

Everyone could use a little self-care, especially the bridesmaid who seems to have her hands full with everything from Pilates to being a full-time entrepreneur. She'll find 12-weeks of pages geared towards tracking her goals, habits, and anything she's extremely grateful for.

Olive & Piper Mini Bordeaux Stud Earrings (Gold)

The bride isn't the only one who should get something shiny and sparkly! Surprise your matron of honor — or any of your bridal party — with these gorgeous earrings the morning of your wedding to let her know how much you appreciate her.

They're hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so she doesn't have to worry about having an allergic reaction while wearing them.

Mint & Lily Personalized Tie the Knot Bracelet

Have a bridesmaid who can't get enough of customizing virtually everything she owns? Show her that you've noticed by surprising her with this 'Tie the Knot' bracelet! It's made of waterproof stainless steel, comes with a personalized charm, and has a high rating of 4.7 stars on Mint & Lily!

Benevolence LA Store Plush Velvet Jewelry Box (Emerald Green)

I'm sure we all have that one friend who complains about misplacing her favorite dainty necklaces and earrings. Take the weight off her shoulders by gifting her this plush velvet jewelry box!

Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Did one of your bridesmaids enjoy your bachelorette party a little too much and has dark circles the morning of your wedding? Tell her not to panic because you've got a tiny gift for her in the form of Topicals Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks! They're hydrating and plumping so all signs of the night before will disappear after tosses these on!

Yes Way Rosé, Southern France

Bridesmaid gift ideas roundup wouldn't be complete without a little booze — especially when it's a pretty bottle of rosé that's budget-friendly! It tastes like crisp rose with notes of ripe strawberry, citrus, and stone fruit so she'll be sipping on something that feels delicious as well as refreshing.

Gold Belly Arabesque — Box of 42 Macarons

You can never go wrong with a pretty box of gluten-free macarons! Some of the flavors your bridesmaid can enjoy munching on are:

  • Blackcurrant Violet
  • Caramel, Chocolate
  • Coffee, Lemon
  • Marie-Antoinette
  • Orange Blossom
  • Pistachio
  • Raspberry
  • Rose
  • Strawberry Candy
  • Vanilla

Simple Modern Trek 40oz Stainless Steel Lidded Tumbler Powder Coat (Pink)

It's not cliché to carry around a stainless steel tumbler anymore, especially if you have a bridesmaid who's known for slipping into her walking shoes and keeping up with her water intake on a daily basis. This one's a little less pricey than a Stanley, which really helps if you're buying one for every bridesmaid.

BÉIS 'The Medium Check-In Roller Suitcase (Atlas Pink)

If you're having a destination wedding and don't have a huge bridal party, surprise them with their very own BÉIS Atlas Pink carry-on roller suitcases! This expandable suitcase has a welcomed TSA lock, 360 degree wheels, and has the best interior organization I've ever seen.

I'm sure this will be one of the top bridesmaid gift ideas your wedding party will thank you for!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Etsy

giftsbridesmaidsbridesmaid giftswedding partyweddings

Justin Baldoni Reveals The "Sweet" Way Gina Rodriguez "Showed Up" For Him During 'It Ends With Us' Drama

It Ends With Us is no stranger to controversy. The book, and its movie adaptation, follows the story of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively in the film), who finds herself in a domestic violence relationship when she falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (actor & director Justin Baldoni).

Over the last year, the project has created online conversations around everything from Lily's outfits to Brandon Sklenar's (who plays Atlas Corrigan) red carpet anxiety. And the latest chapter in the drama appears to be between Baldoni and Lively.

Internet users are speculating that there's been a creative control struggle between Baldoni and Lively throughout the process, especially now that rumors are swirling Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds hope It Ends With Us scores Lively an Oscar nomination. The actress also served as producer and was involved in everything from the script to the inclusion of Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet."

What happened between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

@deadline#JennySlate on working with #JustinBaldoni, who served as both scene partner and director to the actress in #ItEndsWithUsMovie♬ original sound - Deadline

Fans first noticed something seemed off when it was revealed Blake Lively, Brandon Skelnar, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover don't follow Justin Baldoni on Instagram (even though he follows them). Baldoni didn't take photos with the cast at the New York City premiere, and he also hasn't done any of the viral press with his costars. Plus, the fact that Baldoni's onscreen sister Jenny Slate dodged a question about him only makes this whole situation more odd.

Hasan Minhaj, who played Slate's onscreen husband Marshall and is the only cast member still following Baldoni, finally spoke on the drama, telling Esquire, “I can’t speak to other people's experience, but everybody was very professional and cool to me,” he says. “It was lovely and everybody was lovely, and it is just as disillusioning for me, because I’m like, what happened? Wait, what’s going on?”

“It was a strange, bizarre year, and I am a comic deep down, because there are moments where I’m laughing at it," he continues.

When an Instagram user called Lively's behavior "disappointing," her brother-in-law Bart Johnson replied (via People), "I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her."

"The message is in the book. And in the movie. Not in short clips / interviews," he continues. "She is the reason the message / this movie/ is getting out. Were mistakes made? Yes. I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you."

The Hollywood Reporter reveals the cast and crew might have wrapped with two different cuts of the movie, citing creative differences between Baldoni and Lively, and sources told Page Six the studio went with Lively's "more feminine cut." (THR reports Lively commissioned Shane Reid, a Deadpool & Wolverine editor, for It Ends With Us, although the final project is credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.)

But the supposed feud might go deeper. A set source just revealed to People that not only have Blake and Justin been at odds, but apparently "the principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him."

"All is not what it seems," the source continues. "There is much more to this story."

Sources told The Daily Mail Baldoni was "chauvinistic" and "borderline abusive" during the filming process.

“The tension was so obvious,” an It Ends With Us on-set source told Page Six. “Once she was done with the scene she was really impatient, said, ‘Am I done? Can I go?,’ and as soon as they said ‘yes,’ there was like a Blake-size hole in the wall...She was so outta there.”

There are rumors Justin Baldoni made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable in her postpartum body (she gave birth to fourth child Olin in February of 2023; the movie began filming in May of 2023), and that he asked an on-set trainer how much she weighed before filming a scene where he has to pick her up. Baldoni reportedly has back problems and wanted to make sure he didn't injure himself. Lively also reportedly felt like the actor & director lingered too long during a kissing scene.

But throughout the whole press cycle, Justin Baldoni has been the only member of the cast raising awareness for domestic violence, and praising the strength of DV survivors.

During the premiere for the film, Baldoni told ET, "This is a night for all the women who we made this movie for...If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie."

Will Justin Baldoni direct It Starts With Us?

In addition to this video from set, where Lively and Baldoni look like they're in a visionary standoff, Baldoni just revealed he probably won't step back into the role of director if 2022's It Starts With Us is also adapted.

"I think that there are better people for that one," he tells Entertainment Tonight at the August 6 NYC premiere. "I think Blake Lively's ready to direct, that's what I think."

Blake Lively/Instagram

Amid the internet frenzy, people are coming to Baldoni's defense, praising his vulnerable Man Enough podcast. AnIt Ends With Us extra even recounted how kind and attentive he was on set.

And while Lively has always been praised as an "unproblematic queen," fans of the book wish official press for the movie centered on domestic violence awareness as much as Baldoni's one-on-one interviews do. Instead, she's filmed funny baking videos, promoted her Betty Buzz and Blake Brown brands, and encouraged viewers to "wear your florals" to see the movie.

She finally touched on the themes of the movie in an August 13 Instagram story, providing a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, while The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Justin Baldoni has hired PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid the It Ends With Us drama. Nathan represented Johnny Depp during the 2022 Amber Heard trial.

JB Lacroix/Getty Images

On September 10, a source told People that Blake Lively felt "surprised," "vulnerable and upset" about all the It Ends With Us drama. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

While the It Ends With Us cast hasn't spoken too much about the drama, Justin Baldoni did just reveal how much his Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez was there for him last month. The actress told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

"You know what?" Justin says of the moment, which came at the height of the drama. "That came at a very special time for me and that meant a lot. She really showed up for me. That was really sweet...She's a sweetheart. She's family forever."

Check back here for updates on the situation.

What did you think of It Ends With Us? Let us know in the comments.

This post has been updated.

moviesblake livelypop cultureentertainmentnsfwcelebrity

Paul Mescal Reveals Which 'Gladiator 2' Scene Had Him "Borderline Throwing Up"

It’s time to sound the alarms because Gladiator 2 will be hitting theaters right before Thanksgiving, and it’s the true Roman Empire we’ve been waiting for! We saw Russell Crowe’s character Maximus boldly reclaim his legacy in the first Gladiator, but the sequel will follow another character’s storyline. It’s one of our most-anticipated 2024 movies and we can’t wait to dish about all the important details you need to know!

Get your popcorn and one of our delicious cocktail recipes ready because you’re in for a real treat!

Watch The New 'Gladiator 2' Trailer Now

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Denzel Washington, and Paul Mescal are absolute electricity together! And the use of "No Church in the Wild" by Jay-Z and Ye? My jaw literally dropped.

The only question I have is can these three powerhouses form an alliance that'll change the future in Gladiator 2? No matter the outcome, there's sure to be sizzling action...and bodies. And by sizzling, I really mean it. Paul just revealed in an interview with EW that his arena scene, which will feature a CGI rhino, was so hot, he was "borderline throwing up."

"We shot that for about two or three days, but the heat was just….My Irish blood does not function with Ridley's shooting schedule, which is like sun up to sun down, hottest parts of the day," he says. "It was brutal, the fight. I grew up playing sports, so I would consider myself pretty robust and happy to throw myself around, but it was just the [arena] itself became like a radiator. I was borderline throwing up, irritable, just hardcore. Between takes I was firing ice straight down my back."

Pedro Pascal also recalled a few memorable moments from shooting the film, and my personal favorite was what sounds like the greatest blooper of all time. "I was running off the drawbridge, and they kind of dressed it with some dust so that when it slams against the fortified wall, there's a big puff of smoke, of dust," he says. "And I'm charging off the drawbridge and jumping over the wall, and I slip,. I literally bounce off the drawbridge on my —ss and land splat in front of Paul's feet on the first take." And in true Pedro fashion, he followed up with, "Are you not entertained?"

"There was a moment when we were rehearsing my fight scene with Pedro, and I had an idea towards the end of the scene to kiss Pedro on the forehead," Paul adds, referencing a cut scene. "I was like, 'Ridley: Kiss on the forehead, did you like it? Yay or nay?' There was radio silence for a second. His radio crackles back, and [Ridley] goes, 'I'm afraid I did.'"

Your First Look At Paul Mescal In 'Gladiator 2'

Paramount Pictures

The first look at Paul Mescal's character Lucius features our new lead ready for battle. All I have to say is wherever Paul leads, I follow.

What is the plot for Gladiator 2?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Plot

Keeping true to the characters the first film introduced, Gladiator 2 will focus on Paul Mescal's Lucius. He's a gladiator who's been exiled to fight — similar to Maxmius' fate — and hasn't seen his mother Lucila in over a decade.USA Todayalso reports there'll be a nod to Maximus as young Lucius has great respect for the legacy he left behind.

When is Gladiator 2 coming out?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Release Date

Gladiator 2 will premiere in theaters November 22, 2024. Check out the rest of this year's fall movies to see what else is coming this year.

Who will play Lucius in Gladiator 2?

Paramount Pictures

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator 2.

Who else is in the Gladiator 2 cast?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Cast

The Gladiator 2 cast also features Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Lucius' mother, Fred Hechinger (from The White Lotus) as Co-Emperor Caracalla, Joseph Quinn (from Stranger Things Season 4) as Co-Emperor Geta, Pedro Pascal (from The Last of Us) as General Marcus Acacius, and Denzel Washington as the wealthy and powerful Macrinus, who oversees the gladiators.

Who's directing Gladiator 2 and can we expect a lot of action?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

We're happy to share that director Ridley Scott will once again make the script of Gladiator 2 come alive for viewers. Aside from directing the first film, this is the same genius who gave us other cult classics like the Alien franchise, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Hannibal, and so much more!

Given Ridley Scott's proven film record — and the new trailer — we'll definitely see some action! Variety reports he said, “It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first...well worth the wait.”

He also hinted that he has Gladiator 3 on his mind. "There’s already an idea," he said and even referenced The Godfather II as prime inspiration for it (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Are you excited to see Gladiator 2? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

This post has been updated.

entertainmentpop culturemovies