GLADIATOR II Has Screened…Here are the First Reactions

Courtesy Paramount Pictures

Paramount finally unleashed one of the most anticipated films of the year last night, as it screened Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II for the first time. The film is scheduled to launch in US theaters on November 22nd, 2024.

Gladiator II is directed and co-produced by Ridley Scott and was written by David Scarpa from a story he wrote with Peter Craig. It stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington. Nielsen and Derek Jacobi reprise their roles from the first film.

The story follows Lucius, the former heir to the Roman Empire, who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman army, led by General Marcus Acacius, during the reign of the co-emperors Caracalla and Geta.

The full review embargo on the film lifts in early November, but the social media reaction embargo has lifted, here’s the early word:

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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

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

You will be entertained. #GladiatorII is awesome, awe-inspiring, and action packed! It is Sir Ridley proving that nobody else can do epics like him! You’ll want to see this in the biggest arena possible! @GladiatorMovie pic.twitter.com/VtGh6OCYx2

— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) October 19, 2024

#Gladiator2 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 defy’s expectations, the performances are outstanding (denzel just locked in another oscar), the score is just as… pic.twitter.com/SuLDNkORFF

— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) October 19, 2024

GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott places you in the action of the arena centered on legacy and honor amping up the blood, battles,and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, & Joseph Quinn certified movie stars. pic.twitter.com/0oy0jjrRUH

— Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) October 19, 2024

#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

Apes! Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! “Gladiator II” is some absolute sicko shit and Denzel Washington is relishing every. single. minute. The “we are so back” of bloody costume epics.

— Matt Brennan (@thefilmgoer) October 19, 2024

Ridley Scott returns to the Colesseum to prove to the world that HE'S. STILL. GOT. IT. Absolutely BUZZING after #GladiatorII! An EPIC shakespearean tale of hope, futility & power w/in a crumbling system. Denzel FEASTS in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance. What a picture! pic.twitter.com/B5Woi7Tqku

— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 19, 2024

#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

#GladiatorII lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but it’s overflowing with memorable action and it’s got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances pic.twitter.com/zcBF1a7NRb

— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) October 19, 2024

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

GLADIATOR II works best as an acting showcase for Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, & Joseph Quinn. It's largely uneven & lacks the emotional punch of the first film.

However, Ridley Scott's direction is unhinged, framing this as an epic Roman opera. The visuals get the job done. pic.twitter.com/R0xRDFTuwX

— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) October 19, 2024

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Here are the official trailers. We’re pumped to see it in November.