“Gladiator II” is the highly anticipated sequel to the cult hit starring Russel Crowe. The film will be released in cinemas in Germany on November 14, 2024 – in the USA there has now been a first screening and, accordingly, initial reactions.
Fans of rock-hard sandal action should be particularly looking forward to “Gladiator 2” this year – even if we are now led into the arena by Paul Mescal and no longer by Russell Crowe. The screen epic by “Alien” director Ridley Scott opens in cinemas here on November 14, 2024 and the first trailers promised pure cinematic bombast.
Now the sequel has been shown for the first time to selected media representatives and the trade press on the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles. And they were allowed to post their reactions to the film starring Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. We collected the votes:
Ridley Scott’s best film in years!
X-user Simon Thompson from promises a “rich feast of epic action sequences”, while Scott Menzel sees “a big, bloody and hard-hitting action spectacle that follows the legacy of the original”. He also considers “Gladiator II” to be Ridley Scott’s best film since “The Martian.”
#GladiatorII serves 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
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) October 19, 2024
Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite… pic.twitter.com/vkAt3kcfd5
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) October 19, 2024
Eric Anderson also takes a similar line, calling “Gladiator 2” Ridley Scott’s best film in years. For him, Paul Mescal proves to be an outstanding action star and a “worthy heir to the throne”. But his acting performance is not the only performance that is positively highlighted. Griffin Schiller is full of praise for Denzel Washington’s performance as Macrinus and is also enthusiastic about the epic “Shakespearean story of hope, futility and power in a crumbling system.”
GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overplaying. #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/eKY2UqDNPi
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) October 19, 2024
Ridley Scott returns to the Colesseum to prove to the world that HE’S. STILL. GOT. IT. Absolutely BUZZING after #GladiatorII! An EPIC shakespearean tale of hope, futility & power w/in a crumbling system. Denzel FEASTS in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance. What a picture! pic.twitter.com/B5Woi7Tqku
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 19, 2024
“Gladiator 2”: Best film of the year?
The user Atom was completely blown away by what was happening on the screen. He witnessed an “incredible experience that will go down in cinema history.” For him, the film is one of the best sequels of all time, not only the original, but masterpieces such as “The Godfather 2”, “The Dark Knight” and many more exceeds. And for kenzie xcx, “Gladiator 2” was one of the best films of the current year.
An unbelievable experience that will go down in cinematic history. Not only does it surpass the original, it tops all-timer sequels like The Godfather Part II, The Dark Knight, etc. Ridley Scott doesn’t hold back.
This is why films are made! WOW.#GladiadorII #Gladiator2 pic.twitter.com/RNvtNgUQdM
— Atom (@theatomreview) October 19, 2024
epic doesn’t begin to describe #GladiatorII 🩷 this is the grandest of filmmaking by ridley scott. the theatrics, the blood !!!, and incredible performances make this one of the best films of the year. so fucking incredible pic.twitter.com/UbslKHXhfz
— kenzie xcx 🐦⬛ (@kenzvanunu) October 19, 2024
Doesn’t come close to the original
However, there are voices that do not completely celebrate the film. Germain Lussier from Gizmondo writes that for him the sequel doesn’t quite live up to the greatness of the original. Nevertheless, he considers “Gladiator 2” to be “a damn good sequel with big stakes, a solid story and excellent performances.” Will Mavity sees it similarly, because for him what is shown lacks the “emotional force of the original” and also “Mescal is not “Just as captivating as Crowe in the original” – but for him the sequel is “overflowing with memorable action”.
#GladiatorII doesn’t quite rise to the greatness of the original but it’s a damn fine sequel with big stakes, a solid story, & excellent performances.
I enjoyed it thoroughly, most probably will too, but it’s just slightly lacking emotionally. Everything is very easy & surface. pic.twitter.com/FjMxkKlANk
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but it’s overflowing with memorable action and it’s got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances pic.twitter.com/zcBF1a7NRb
— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) October 19, 2024
In any case, the majority of the reviews are enthusiastic, even the negative ones seem to have something to say about the film. As always, it’s of course best if you go to the theaters when the cinema opens and form your own opinion. However, it seems like fans of the original and bloody sandal action are in for a really good time.
By the way, new lead actor Paul Mescal was really intimidated at the start of filming. You can read about why this happened in this article:
“This is so stupid!”: Paul Mescal on what was probably his biggest challenge while filming “Gladiator 2”.
