Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Gladiator 2is a sequel to director Ridley Scott’s critically acclaimed 2000 film with Paul Mescal taking over the lead role. The epic historical action film follows the story of Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus as he is captured by the Roman forces and forced to fight as a Gladiator to seek his freedom and overthrow the empire.
The much-anticipated film recently held a screening for the press with early reactions to it cropping up on the internet. The initial reactions are extremely positive with several viewers who saw the movie at the screening praising it as one of Ridley Scott’s best works in recent times. Here is what the first reactions toGladiator 2reveal about the sequel’s quality.
Early Reactions Praise Ridley Scott’sGladiator 2as an Oscar-Worthy Spectacle
Gladiatordirected byRidley Scottwas released in 2000 and set the gold standard for historical action films, emerging as a critical and commercial success. After almost two decades, Scott is returning with a sequel that is slated to release next month.
The upcomingGladiator 2was recently screened in Los Angeles in front of an audience of AMPAS and SAG voters. Following the screening, first reactions to the movie have surfaced online and they have been nothing but overwhelmingly positive for thePaul MescalandDenzel Washington-led second installment.
On X (formerly Twitter), Clayton Davis of Variety shared his reaction to the movie praising Scott for his direction, calling it the director’s best work sinceBlack Hawk Down. You can check out Davis’ full comments about the sequel below.
Welcome back to the f*king movies!That sums up#GladiatorII. Ridley Scott’s best directorial effort since “Black Hawk Down.” I found Paul Mescal’s work as Lucius to be one of the film’s most honest surprises. This is Denzel Washington, having the time of his life in one of his…pic.twitter.com/5ETqmXdbDD
“Doesn’t make this sequel feel like a cash grab”: Ridley Scott Proves Gladiator 2 Won’t Be Going the Marvel Route With One Blunt Comment About Russell Crowe
Furthermore, Davis added that the film was powered by brilliant performances, highlighting Denzel Washington as one of the standout actors. He described it as one of Washington’s most killer roles yet, suggesting that the actor could be in contention to win an Academy Award for his performance simply based on first impression.
Ridley Scott’sGladiator 2Receives Praise For Action and Performances
Davis wasn’t the only one to praise the film, as several others who attended the screening shared similar reactions on social media. Here is what some of the other viewers had to say aboutGladiator 2on X.
Engrave Denzel Washington’s name on the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for GLADIATOR 2 right this instance.
GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor — great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I was ENTERTAINED!pic.twitter.com/xC9McJAU5p
#GladiatorIIserves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery. Dovetailing stylishly with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse 👍pic.twitter.com/anFnm9rfEl
Apes! Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! “Gladiator II” is some absolute sicko shit and Denzel Washington is relishing every. single. minute. The “we are so back” of bloody costume epics.
As the tweets suggest, the movie is receiving extremely positive reactions with praise for Scott’s direction and performances of the lead cast, including those of Mescal and Washington. The film was also praised for its technical aspects, with many describing it as an epic spectacle.
We Are Terrified After Ridley Scott’s Huge Update on Gladiator 3 Sounds Eerily Similar to Kevin Costner’s Multi-million Dollar Mistake With His Horizon Movies
The early reactions are a welcome sign for the highly anticipated sequel, especially followingthe debacle surrounding its first trailer and its music, which suggested it might turn out to be a disaster. However, whether the early hype translates to commercial success remains to be seen as the film is currentlyprojectedto gross $53-75 million and is expected to finish second at the box office in its first weekend.
Gladiator 2is slated to release in the United States on August 12, 2025.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
