After the release of Gladiator in 2000, its director Ridley Scott finally releases the sequel to this masterpiece of the 7th art. Gladiator 2 will soon be released in theaters and the film has been screened to critics. Here are the first reactions and the least we can say is that you will be surprised.
Ridley Scott is back almost a quarter of a century after Gladiator
In 2024, Ridley Scott is back with the sequel to his film but this time with a new cast. The production called on Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.
Last May, Gladiator 2 had released its first trailer and it was at New York Comic-Con 2024 that Scott's feature film has been screened to critics ahead of its theatrical release in a few days. We invite you to take a round-up of the first reactions that have been shared on social networks.
A five-star cast for an epic sequel
For journalist Scott Mantz, Gladiator 2 is “an epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor” that offers action and “breathtaking visual effects.” He also praises the performances of Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington and concludes that Ridley Scott has made a return to form.
Same story for critic Scott Menzel. The latter also praises Mescal and Washington and says that Ridley Scott delivers “his best film since The Martian“. He also says of Joseph Quinn, seen in the series Stranger Things and who will be on the bill for the reboot Fantastic Four, “that he is very good” and promises him a bright future in cinema.
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On the side of Jillian Chilingerian of Offscreen Central, with Gladiator 2, Ridley Scott offers the public “something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian“. He even goes so far as to declare: “Engrave Denzel Washington's name on the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor now.”
The Wrap praises Ridley Scott's production, comparing it to 2022's Top Gun: Maverick for “its ability to evoke the past while adding something new.”
For Abe Friedtanzer, he considers it “a decent but unnecessary sequel“. The best moments are the “musical callbacks” to the original film and points out that “the standout actors are Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington“. This is somewhat the opinion of Discussing Film who appreciated the casting but who sees “this sequel as largely uneven” and which lacks “emotional punch“.
Gladiator 2 is expected to live up to the original which established itself as the second highest-grossing film of 2000 and won 12 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor. With its star-studded cast, according to these critics, the film should be a hit at the end of the year.
Gladiator 2 will be released in our theaters on November 13.