‘Gladiator II’ First Reactions Say Sequel Is “Epically Violent” And “Ridley Scott’s Best Film In Years”
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated ‘Gladiator II’ has received overwhelmingly positive reviews following its first screening on Friday night.
The film was screened at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, where media outlets and film critics were among the first to see the completed sequel.
‘Gladiator II’ is set over 20 years after the events of the first film, following Lucius played by Paul Mescal (son of Maximums from the first film), who hasn’t been seen in years and forced into slavery — only to return as a Gladiator for vengeance and restore Rome to its former glory.
RELATED: ‘Gladiator II’ Opening Scene Features Ridley Scott’s Biggest Action Sequence Ever
The film is directed by Ridley Scott from a script penned by ‘Napoleon’ collaborator David Scarpa. Connie Nielsen returns to her role of Lucilla from the first film, with new stars in the line up for the sequel including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Rory McCann, Fred Hechinger, Matt Lucas, May Calamawy, Tim McInnerny, Peter Mensah and Alec Utgoff — all alongside lead Paul Mescal.
‘Gladiator II’ is under enormous pressure as the two-decade-old original is often hailed as one of the best films ever made, winning five Oscars and earning $465.4 million worldwide.
The sequel opens in theaters on November 15, 2024 (United Kingdom) and November 22, 2024 (United States).
Critic reviews from major sources won’t release online until closer to the film’s initial release date. However, you can see the rave early reactions below, courtesy of X.
RELATED: Ridley Scott Says ‘Gladiator II’ Is “The Best Thing I’ve Ever Made”
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