Pompey v. Mithridates (film)

Pompey v. Mithridates is a historical action movie based on the Third Mithridatic War. It is the sequel to Pompey v. Spartacus and is set in the Ancient Rome Cinematic Universe (ARCU). It takes place between 67 and 61 BC.

The film stars Logan Lerman, Joe Manganiello, Andy Serkis, Sofia Vergara, Tommy Flanagan, and Greg Vaughan. Like the rest of the ARCU, the film is mostly historically accurate, with some minor adjustments in order to make it cinematic.

Plot
Pompey (Logan Lerman) defeats many Cilician pirates (who were introduced in Pompey v. Spartacus and The Rise of Caesar) and decides to spare many of them out of generosity, letting them settle in the city of Soli, which he just finds out was recently devastated by King Tigranes II (Andy Serkis), an ally of the great King Mithridates VI (Joe Manganiello) of Pontus.

Pompey returns to Rome and consults with the Senate regarding the devastation in Armenia. Marcus Cicero (Greg Vaughan) reveals to Pompey that the Third Mithridatic War has been dragging on for too long, and a new front has been formed in Armenia. Marcus Crassus (Tommy Flanagan) is still bitter with Pompey after Pompey 'stole' his victory over Spartacus in the previous movie.

Meanwhile, in the Mithridatic War, Roman troops led by Publius Claudius Pulcher (Denis Menochet) mutinied against their commander, Lucius Lucullus (David Schofield). King Tigranes sees this as a great opportunity and causes the Romans to retreat in shambles. He tells King Mithridates of what happens, who is pleased.

Pulcher tells senator Gaius Manilius (Edgar Ramirez) of the mutiny, and Manilius talks to Cicero, who is convinced that Pompey should take charge of the campaign, replacing Lucullus. The proposal passes the Senate, despite opposition from staunch Optimates such as Quintus Catulus (Andy Garcia), Cato the Younger (Billy Zane), and Marcus Bibulus (Jason Brooks). Lucullus disagrees with Pompey, and says there is no need for further expedition, the war should be called over. Pompey disagrees. He is joined by the young Titus Labienus (Ashton Moio).

Pompey overwhelms Mithridates' forces initially. Mithridates makes Tigranes pay by leaving him out to dry against the Romans. Tigranes becomes enraged with Mithridates' actions and joins the Romans. Mithridates is furious and leads a huge assault, with wife Queen Hypsicratea (Sofia Vergara).

Hypsicratea is kidnapped by the Romans, who refuses to give information. MIthridates decides that the Romans took this to a personal level, and attempts to invade Italy. He is defeated by Pompey.

When returned to Rome, Pompey is approached by Crassus, who advises him that he knows of way to set aside their differences. Julius Caesar enters the room, which sets up the events of The Conquest of Caesar.

Cast

 * Logan Lerman as Pompey the Great
 * Joe Manganiello as King Mithridates VI
 * Andy Serkis as King Tigranes II
 * Sofia Vergara as Queen Hypsicratea
 * Tommy Flanagan as Marcus Crassus
 * Greg Vaughan as Marcus Cicero
 * Ashton Moio as Titus Labienus
 * Edgar Ramirez as Gaius Manilius
 * David Schofield as Lucius Lucullus
 * Denis Menochet as Publius Claudius Pulcher
 * Billy Zane as Cato the Younger
 * Patrick Kilpatrick as Mersin, a Cilician pirate
 * Andy Garcia as Quintus Catulus
 * Adam Sevani as Tigranes the Younger
 * Jason Brooks as Marcus Bibulus
 * Tye Sheridan as Julius Caesar