Addressing the sequel, which is set to star Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Crowe said: “I don’t know anything about the cast, I don’t know anything about the plot.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/russell-crowe-gladiator-2-b2367997.html

Meanwhile, 's protagonist Maximus is an entirely fictional character, and the ending notably changes Commodus' real-life death from an assassination to a fatal duel.

Source: https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-paul-mescal-lucius-what-happened/

Played to perfection by Joaquin Phenix, an actor no stranger to playing villainous characters, Commodus is arrogant, spoiled, and egotistical, thinking he is entitled to the cruel acts he perpetrates.

Source: https://screenrant.com/most-hated-movie-characters/

While Commodus didn't kill him in real life, he may have died at the camp where Maximus led the Roman troops to glory.

Source: https://screenrant.com/how-accurate-gladiator-opening-battle-real-life/