The first Gladiator 2 reactions are here - and they place one actor firmly in the Oscars race
Ridley Scott is back on top with ‘worthy’ sequel to 2000 epic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The first reactions to the year’s most-anticipated sequel have rolled in after its first ever screening.
On Friday (18 October), Gladiator 2 premiered in Los Angeles at a screening introduced by its lead star, Paul Mescal.
In Ridley Scott’s follow-up to his 2000 epic, whose trailer revealed a hidden plot detail, Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who is played by Connie Nielsen.
The film, which co-stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn, is set years after the events of the first film, which starred Russell Crowe as Maximus. It follows Lucius as he enters the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.
While Scott’s recent films, including Napoleon and House of Gucci, have received middling reviews, it seems the filmmaker is back on top with Gladiator II, which is receiving a glowing response following its debut screening.
But is it better than the first film?
There have been conflicting views shared on this, with Discussing Film’s Andrew J Salazar saying the movie “lacks the emotional punch” of the original. However, it appears to be agreed that the film is a thrilling follow-up, with journalist Scott Mantz calling it “an epic worthy of its predecessor”.
The screening, which was attended by journalists and awards voters, has shot Washington straight into the Oscars race, with some reactions, including Offscreen Central’s @JillianChili claiming supporting star Washington could be a shoo-in for his third Academy Award.
Drew Taylor of The Wrap said that “Gladiator II is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral,” adding: “Everything about it just works.”
Taylor compared the sequel to Top Gun: Maverick in how the film is able to “conjure the past while adding something new”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Meanwhile, presenter Matt Ramos wrote: “Gladiator II isn’t just arguably the best film of the year, it’s one of the best of all-time. It’s one of those films that will reinvigorate your love for cinema. It defies expectations, the performances are outstanding (denzel just locked in another Oscar).”
Gladiator II will be released on 15 November.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments