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| “ | I give the people what they want And they want you TO DIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE! Buh-bye! |
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| ~ Maximus at the end of his song Give The People What They Want. |
Emperor Maximus is the main antagonist of the 2019 French English-language live-action/animated musical film Playmobil: The Movie. He is the tyrannical ruler of Constatinopolis and was the one responsible for Charlie's kidnapping and disappearance and is also Marla's arch-nemesis.
He was voiced by Adam Lambert, who also voiced the Devil in A Tale Dark and Grimm in English and Jérôme Commandeur in French and Machiavillain in Megamind Rules!.
Biography[]
Past[]
Emperor Maximus's origins are shrouded in mystery, adding to his fearsome reputation. Little is known about his early life, but it is clear that he rose to power through a combination of strategic acumen and ruthless tactics. His ascent to the throne of Constantinopolis was marked by his ability to outmaneuver rivals and consolidate power, making him a dominant force in the Playmobil world. As the ruler of Constantinopolis, Maximus governed with an iron fist. His regime was characterized by strict control and harsh punishments for those who opposed him.
Maximus maintained a vast network of spies and enforcers, ensuring that any hint of rebellion was swiftly quashed. His rule instilled fear and obedience among the citizens, who dared not defy his authority. Maximus's passion for power extended to his love of gladiatorial combat. He transformed the coliseum into the centerpiece of his rule, where prisoners were forced to fight to the death for his entertainment. This gruesome spectacle served as a display of his absolute control and provided him with a constant source of amusement. The coliseum became a symbol of his tyranny, where many met their untimely end.
Playmobil: The Movie[]
Maximus's plot thickened when Charlie, transformed into a Viking warrior, was captured by pirates and brought to Constantinopolis. Maximus saw Charlie and other captured characters as perfect additions to his coliseum battles. Secret Agent Rex Dasher, who infiltrated the city in search of Charlie, was also captured and added to Maximus's collection of gladiators. This set the stage for a dramatic showdown. Maximus's ambitions were furthered by his acquisition of advanced technology from Glinara, an alien crime lord. The device he obtained played a crucial role in maintaining his grip on power. However, this alliance also brought unforeseen complications, as Glinara's involvement eventually led to Del and Marla's deeper entanglement in their quest to rescue Charlie.
Marla, determined to rescue her brother, teamed up with Del and Secret Agent Rex Dasher. Their mission led them to the heart of Maximus's empire. Despite numerous obstacles, they managed to gather vital information and plot their next move. Their journey brought them to Constantinopolis, where they faced the daunting task of rescuing Charlie from the clutches of Maximus. The climax of Maximus's story unfolded in the coliseum, where Charlie was forced to fight a fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. Marla, with the help of Del and the last of Del's pink hay, managed to neutralize the T-Rex, turning it harmless. This unexpected turn of events enraged Maximus, who ordered his guards to arrest the intruders.
In a twist, the guards revealed themselves to be Rex and the missing warriors, who had infiltrated Maximus's ranks. They turned against Maximus, locking him inside a cage and ending his reign of terror. This betrayal marked the collapse of his tyrannical rule and the liberation of Constantinopolis from his grip. With Maximus defeated, Marla and Charlie used the T-Rex to fly back to the lighthouse, returning to the real world. Their adventure in the Playmobil world had lasted only five minutes in real time, but it had a profound impact on their relationship. Marla promised Charlie that they would mend their bond and move forward together.
In a mid-credits scene, one of the security guards in the real world finds a figure of Maximus on the ground next to a cage. As he places it on top of Mount Olympus, the sinister laughter of Maximus is heard, hinting at his potential return. This scene leaves the door open for future conflicts and adventures, suggesting that Maximus's legacy of tyranny may not be completely extinguished.
Personality[]
Emperor Maximus is a complex character whose personality is defined by a blend of ambition, strategic brilliance, and a desire to cater to public demand. Despite his ruthless nature, he presents himself as a ruler who understands and delivers what his people want. This aspect of his personality is highlighted in his song "Give The People What They Want," where he claims to provide entertainment and satisfaction to the masses, even if it involves cruelty and violence. Maximus thrives on the approval of the crowds, who cheer on his brutal gladiatorial games, and he uses their support to justify his harsh actions. Maximus's ambition is insatiable, driving him to seek absolute power and control. His strategic mind and cunning tactics allow him to outmaneuver rivals and maintain his position as the ruler of Constantinopolis. He is always several steps ahead, using his intelligence and adaptability to strengthen his grip on power. Maximus's ability to forge alliances, such as with the alien crime lord Glinara, demonstrates his pragmatic approach to maintaining dominance and acquiring new advantages.
At his core, Maximus is ruthless and authoritarian, ruling with an iron fist and showing no mercy to those who oppose him. His regime is characterized by strict control and harsh punishments, creating an atmosphere of fear and obedience. However, this cruelty is not just for personal gain; it is also a form of entertainment for his people. Maximus transforms the coliseum into the heart of his rule, where prisoners are forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the masses. His enjoyment of these brutal games reveals a sadistic streak, as he revels in the suffering and despair of others. Maximus's public persona is one of confidence and invincibility, but beneath this facade lies a deep-seated insecurity and paranoia. His reliance on a vast network of spies and enforcers indicates a constant fear of betrayal and rebellion. This paranoia drives him to tighten his grip on power further, creating a cycle of oppression and fear. Maximus's inability to trust others and his perpetual vigilance against potential threats reveal a vulnerability that adds complexity to his character.
Ultimately, Maximus's personality is a mix of ambition, strategic brilliance, ruthlessness, and a desire to be seen as a provider for his people. He uses public approval to justify his cruel actions, presenting himself as a ruler who gives the people what they want, even if it means bloodshed and suffering. This multifaceted character makes him a compelling and fearsome antagonist, whose influence and legacy linger even after his downfall.