The Surprising Influence Behind Fred Hechinger’s 'Gladiator II' Villain

Fred Hechinger, set to play Emperor Caracalla in Ridley Scott’s highly-anticipated Gladiator II, has revealed an unexpected source of inspiration for his character’s look. In an interview with GamesRadar+, Hechinger shared that the iconic punk figure Sid Vicious, bassist for the Sex Pistols, heavily influenced his portrayal. The first trailer showcases Hechinger’s Caracalla with red hair and pale face make-up, a stark contrast to Joaquin Phoenix’s Emperor in the original film.

Hechinger described the character design as “wild” and “liberating,” emphasizing the creative process he and Scott engaged in to bring this unique vision to life. Known for his roles in Fear Street and White Lotus, Hechinger is rapidly rising in Hollywood, with upcoming appearances in Kraven the Hunter and other major projects.

Fans are eager to see Hechinger’s bold take on the villainous emperor when Gladiator II hits theaters November 15 in the UK and November 22 in the US.