Gladiator II: Lucius's Journey - What's the Endgame?

Okay, fellow cinephiles! So, "Gladiator II"... I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm priyawatches, and those who know me know I'm all about international films and appreciate narratives that dig deep. While the original "Gladiator" wasn't exactly arthouse, its impact was undeniable. It got me thinking though: how do you even follow up that kind of ending? Maximus's death was so... final. Lucius being forced into the arena actually feels like a decent starting point. But here's what I'm wondering: since the Emperors are supposed to be tyrannical, is the goal just survival, or something bigger? Like, are we talking straight-up revolution? I'm hoping it won't just be a retread of the first film's plot but with Lucius instead of Maximus. I really loved the political intrique that was there in the first one. If the sequel can match that, it might actually be good. I'm also curious to see HOW they handle Lucius's character development. I mean, he saw some serious stuff as a kid! How’s that shaped him? Is he trying to embody Maximus's ideals, or is he charting his own, potentially darker, path? Someone in another thread suggested that the Emperors could be related to Commodus, and I'm suddenly very intrigued by a potential revenge arc. That would add some real emotional weight, I think. Ultimately, my question is this: what do you think Lucius's motivations will be, and what kind of impact can one person have against, like, Emperors? Are we expecting a hopeful ending, or something more bittersweet and realistic given the setting? Let's discuss! I'm ready to be proven wrong if it's absolutely incredible – I just also don't want the legacy of the first film tarnished, y'know?