Gladiator II production uses Malta's Fort Ricasoli for ancient Rome sets

The production of Gladiator II utilized Fort Ricasoli in Malta to recreate ancient Rome. Production designer Arthur Max noted that the crew utilized nearly the entire 17th-century fortress, building a physical replica of the Colosseum at approximately 60 percent of its actual size. This large-scale set included imperial boxes and spaces for hundreds of extras and stunt performers, which were later expanded using digital effects.

While the film provides a grand visual spectacle, including naval battles staged on hydraulic platforms, it departs significantly from historical reality. The narrative depicts Commodus murdering his father, Marcus Aurelius, to seize power; however, historical records indicate Marcus Aurelius died of illness during a campaign against the Germans in 180 AD. Furthermore, Commodus was already a co-emperor with his father by 177 AD, rather than an unexpected successor. The film also portrays a chaotic Roman infantry combat style that contradicts the highly organized tactical formations historically used by Roman legions.