“Gladiator II” screened for the first time on Friday, October 18 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, and based on early reactions on social media from film critics and influencers, it is “a big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle,” a “true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years,” and an all-caps “MASTERPIECE.”
Though official reviews are embargoed until a later date, the early reactions highlighted Scott’s direction, Mescal, Pascal, and Washington’s performances, and the overall production values of the sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor.
Following a screening of the 148-minute sequel, cast members Paul Mescal (as Lucius Verus), Connie Nielsen (as Lucilla), Denzel Washington (as Macrinus), and Fred Hechinger (as Emperor Caracalla) engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Jacqueline Coley, awards editor of Rotten Tomatoes. Washington praised Scott’s direction, saying his elaborate world-building made it easy for him to get into character. “He built Rome, so all we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking,” said Washington. “It was make believe, it was play, it was fun. Just put the dress on and go. That’s the way I looked at it. I’m like, I’m putting this dress on, and these rings, and I’m going crazy!” Other notable attendees at the screening and post-panel reception included Screen Actors Guild members Patrick Stewart, John David Washington, Kurt Russell, Saoirse Ronan, and Debbie Allen.
“Gladiator II,” which opens in theaters on November 22, is the sequel to the 2000 epic that was also directed by Scott. The original “Gladiator” won five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design. Scott was not credited as a producer of that first film, so he didn’t take home an Oscar of his own (in fact, he’s never won). But now for “Gladiator II,” which tells the story of Mescal’s Lucius becoming a gladiator amid personal family drama, the filmmaker is eligible for Best Picture and for Best Director.
Here are just some of the “Gladiator II” reactions that Paramount Pictures encouraged attendees to post on social media following the event:
Gladiator II11 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
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
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
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
#GladiatorII REVIEW: EPIC MASTERPIECE!! Emotional with huge, STUNNING action. Ridley Scott’s perfect crescendo. Paul & Pedro deliver the goods. A sweeping, arousing saga that fists your arse. Not just another sequel, it’s the BEST movie ever! A fitting end setting up what’s next. pic.twitter.com/vB0nEd3Dg3
— Atom (@theatomreview) October 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
GLADIATOR II is pretty fucking great. pic.twitter.com/PyWDUPSlsh
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) October 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
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
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) October 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
#RidleyScott’s @GladiatorMovie (#GladiatorII) does not disappoint. It’s a cinematic spectacle, anchored by #PaulMescal, as Lucius, intense and riveting. The powerhouse cast includes #DenzelWashington (those eyes!), #PedroPascal, #ConnieNielsen, Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn. pic.twitter.com/lyzy5iKtyj
— ruben nepales (@nepalesruben) October 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
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
— Scott Mantz
(@MovieMantz) October 19, 2024
(@MovieMantz) https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
#GladiatorII is the perfect continuation of the original & an epic story in its own right. A fantastic cast, but Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, & Paul Mescal are transcendent! Countless intense blood soaked fight sequences! @GladiatorMovie demands to be seen on the big screen! pic.twitter.com/LH3Z7clqrH
— Caitlin Tyrrell (@caitlin_tyrrell) October 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions