FIRST LOOK: Gladiator 2 First Images Reveal Colosseum Combat

Pedro Pascal goes toe to toe with Paul Mescal in the first official images for Gladiator 2.

Decked out in black and gold armor, the pair looked primed for war as they battle with blades under the blazing sun. Pascal is on the back foot, however, with desperation etched across his face as he loses grip of his sword.

The images are a Vanity Fair exclusive, and feature more than just the two warriors duking it out. We also get a good look at Denzel Washington's wealthy string-puller as he watches from the stands on a gold chair, replete with colorful threads and shiny jewels.

The biggest transformation is Joseph Quinn, who sports a strawberry blonde wig and light eyebrows as Co-Emperor Geta - a far cry from the dishevelled businessman he plays in A Quiet Place: Day One .

Plus, the images also contain a few behind-the-scenes grabs of director Ridley Scott as he orchestrates his perfect shot. Gladiator 2 marks Scott's return to the award-winning historical epic after 24 years.

However, Gladiator 2 is missing one major star (and it’s not Russell Crowe).