‘Gladiator II’ first reactions praise the sequel’s epic scale and performances

Early reactions to Gladiator II, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning film, have begun to surface following a screening at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal and is set for a November 22 release. Mescal plays Lucius Verus II, who returns to Rome as a gladiator, while Washington plays the Machiavellian character Macrinus.

Critics are praising the film’s epic scale and action sequences. Simon Thompson noted the "richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery,” with Denzel Washington and the cast delivering “stellar” performances. Scott Menzel called it “a big, bloody, and badass action spectacle,” while Erik Anderson labeled the movie “a true epic,” praising Mescal’s lead performance and Washington’s commanding presence.

Griffin Schiller praised Scott’s return to the Colosseum, calling Gladiator II “an EPIC Shakespearean tale of hope, futility & power,” with Washington offering a “showstopping, Machiavellian performance.” However, Germain Lussier noted that while the sequel is strong, it “doesn’t quite rise to the greatness of the original” and lacks the same emotional depth.

The film is already generating significant excitement, with many hailing it as one of Scott’s best in years and a worthy follow-up to the original.