In 2000 , director Ridley Scott put in Maximus Decimus Meridius to the humanity inGladiator . The historic epic starredRussell Croweas Maximus , a Roman general sell into slavery after being shop by Commodus ( Joaquin Phoenix ) , the Emperor ’s power - hungry son . Maximus becomes a prizefighter and vows to claim his revenge on Commodus for kill his family . Gladiatorwas thesecond - highest - gross pic of 2000and gain five Oscars , including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe .

Twenty - four years later , Scott take back to the arena of blood and sand with his long - expect subsequence , Gladiator 2 . The film will follow an grownup Lucius Verus , son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus . Gladiator 2is one of the most awaited films on the 2024 calendar . Below , we search everything you ask to know aboutGladiator 2,including the release date , plaster bandage , synopsis , and trailer .

When is Gladiator 2’s release date?

Gladiator 2is now schedule to be released theatrically onNovember 22 , 2024.Gladiator 2will be release one week earlier , on November 15 , 2024 , in select external markets .

Paramount Pictures will distribute the movie in the U.S. , while Universal Pictures will handle external distribution .

Is there a trailer for Gladiator 2?

Thesecond laggard forGladiator IIwas released on September 23 , 2024 . This sentence around , vengeance is the theme most accentuate as Paul Mescal ’s prizefighter looks to revenge his wife ’s demise and take down malign emperors and fight unfit CGI animals . Hmm , that sounds a fleck conversant , does n’t it ?

The long - awaited first poke forGladiator IIteases several jaw - dropping fight sequence , including a struggle with sharks inside the arena and a one - on - one sword fight between Mescal and Pascal .

Who is in the Gladiator 2 cast?

Paul Mescal headlinesGladiator 2as Lucius Verus , a character originated by Spencer Treat Clark inGladiator . Varietydescribed the character as a “ nobleman who renounce his prerogative . ” Lucius is the boy of Lucilla ( Connie Nielsen ) and former heir to the Empire . After being sent to populate in Numbia , Lucius is captured by the Roman army and storm to become a gladiator .

Mescal is best live for his Emmy - nominated role of Connell Waldron inNormal Peopleand his Oscar - nominated purpose of Calum Paterson inAftersun .   preponderantly known for starring in sovereign feature article , Gladiator 2is the heavy film of Mescal ’s young career .

Scott mentioned how Mescal ’s breakout role inNormal Peopleconvinced him to cast the Irish doer in hisGladiatorsequel .

“ Can I see Paul Mescal being as bad as Russell Crowe ? For indisputable , ” Scott toldTotal Filmin October 2023 . “ I watchedNormal mass . It ’s not my form of show , but I saw four sequence in a run-in – windfall , boom , gravy . I was think , ‘ Who the hell is this Paul Mescal ? ’ And then I watched the whole serial publication . And then , suddenly , Gladiator 2came up because the script was working pretty well . And I preserve thinking about Paul . And that was it . ”

Exclusive : Ridley Scott tells Total Film that he could n’t stop thinking about Paul Mescal after watching Normal citizenry , so he cast him in Gladiator 2https://t.co/zFWLl0OTnV

& mdash ; Total Film ( @totalfilm)October 6 , 2023

Denzel Washington will asterisk alongside Mescal as Macrinus , a former gladiator who earned his freedom and became a wealthy arm and commodities dealer . However , Washington ’s character still hold a grudge against the emperors . extra cast fellow member admit Joseph Quinn as Emperor Caracalla , Fred Hechinger as Emperor Geta , and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius . May Calamawy , Lior Raz , Peter Mensah , and Matt Lucas also star . Hechinger ’s office originally belonged to Barry Keoghan , but theSaltburnactor dropped out because of scheduling issues .

Two thespian reprising their roles fromGladiatorin the continuation are Connie Nielsen as Lucilla , Lucius ’s mother , and Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus , an ally of Lucilla and Maximus . Djimon Hounsouwas limit to return for the subsequence , as Juba but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts .

Who does Denzel Washington play in Gladiator 2?

Although Mescal is the movie ’s leash , there has been a immense amount of interest about who Washington might be play in the film , in heavy part because of his unbelievable vocation in Hollywood . Washington make for a power agent distinguish Macrinus . Scott key Washinton ’s character in an consultation withVanity Fair .

“ Denzel is an arms bargainer who provide food for the armies in Europe , ply wine-coloured and oil , realise steel , makes spears , weapons , cannons , and catapults , ” Scott say . “ So he is a very wealthy human race . Instead of have a stable of racehorses , he has a stalls of gladiators , ” Scott pronounce . “ He ’s beautiful . He take a halcyon Ferrari . I pay off him a gold - plot chariot . ”

What is Gladiator 2 about?

Ridley Scott give us an inside scoop shovel on Paul Mescal ’s role as Lucius in#Gladiator2.pic.twitter.com / iWIKDY73gl

Gladiator 2will follow an older Lucius about 15 age afterGladiator . Paramount ’s official synopsisreads : “ twelvemonth after find the death of the revered sub Maximus at the hands of his uncle , Lucius ( Paul Mescal ) is forced to move into the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the despotic Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron clenched fist . With rage in his heart and the hereafter of the Empire at stakes , Lucius must take care to his past to rule strength and laurels to return the glory of Rome to its the great unwashed . ”

Scott explained toRotten Tomatoeswhat Lucius has been up to sinceGladiator .

“ [ Lucius ] has been out in the wild for … let ’s see , we last saw him when he was 12 , ” Scott said . “ It ’s about 12 , 15 years subsequently , he ’s been out in the wilderness , having lost skin senses with his mother . His mother lose skin senses with him . She does n’t know where he is . She thinks he might be dead . ”

Paul Mescal wasreticent to provide any extra detailsbut added that he was unrestrained about the project .

“ I ca n’t order you how stressed I am talking about that movie in particular because it ’s definitely the braggart one I ’ve done , ” he explain . “ I experience really delirious , but it ’s difficult to get away from the legacy of the film a bit … I imagine it ’s really well write and it pays court to the first one , but it ’s very much something that I intend I can abuse into and make comfortably my own . ”

Ridley Scott say ‘ GLADIATOR 2 ’ will feature Paul Mescal ’s character fighting a large number of baboon after he became haunted by a TV show a real baboon attack in South Africa :

“ Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg ? No ! A baboon can.”…pic.twitter.com/oeRKNNafQL

& mdash ; Film Updates ( @FilmUpdates)November 8 , 2023

In a visibility withThe New Yorker , Scott revealed thatGladiator 2will feature of speech a scene where Mescal ’s graphic symbol fights a group of vicious baboon .

The profile reads : “ In the meantime , he ’d [ Scott ] been down the 90 minutes he had , admit a picture in which the hero fights a ring of baboons ; he ’d been obsess , he tell , by a video of baboon attacking tourer in Johannesburg : ‘ baboon are carnivore . Can you hang from that roof for two time of day by your left stage ? No ! A baboon can . ’ ”

Who is writing and directing Gladiator 2?

Gladiator 2is directed by Scott from a screenplay by David Scarpa . Scott and Scarpa antecedently team up on 2017’sAll the Money in the Worldand 2023’sNapoleon . Scott will produceGladiator 2alongside Michael Pruss , Douglas Wick , Lucy Fisher , and David Franzoni . Scott received an Oscar nomination for Best Director forGladiator .

Are Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix involved in Gladiator 2?

Crowe and Phoenix are not have a bun in the oven to reprise their roles of Maximus and Commodus for the continuation because both valet die at the end ofGladiator . Maximus kills Commodus in a duel at the Coliseum . However , Maximus yield to his wounds briefly after . Maximus and Commodus could come out in archival footage . Crowe or Phoenix could have shoot a secret cameo for a flashback succession , but there have been no reports of their involvement .

At one dot , there were plans to resurrect Maximus for a possible sequel , but those plans now seem to be off the table . The original reading ofGladiator 2would have seen Maximus make out back from the River Styx , but the script has develop since then , and is obviously now much more grounded .

“ I said , ‘ We can convey him back this fashion , ' ” Scott explain on theReelBlend podcast . “‘And what I want to do is begin the moving picture in Styx , on the border of theocean , and you see him , this warrior , swan in armour . Then , it ’s Maximus wandering , look for where he ’s move to go next . That ’s Scene One . ’ ”

Scott still respects Crowe as an actor . However , Scott does n’t trust Crowe need to be confer with if theGladiator IIplot did not concern Maximus .

“ I think [ Crowe is ] still one of the best actors in the world , and I think we have a good relationship , ” Scott toldEmpire . “ I hope we do . As long as he does n’t start up b**ching about how he was n’t consulted . Why would I ? He ’s dead ! ”

Gladiator II character posters highlight the main ensemble

In addition to the trailer , Paramount released posters for six character : Lucius , Marcus Acacius , Macrinus , Emperor Caracalla , Emperor Geta , and Lucilla .

Paul Mescal’s Lucius is the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus

The fresh & # 39;Gladiator II' ; trailer has a major reveal : Lucius ( Paul Mescal ) is , in fact , the son of Maximus ( played by Russell Crowe in the first moving picture ) . Mescal shares his reaction with EW : & # 39;Holy s—'https://t.co / U59YXxglNd

& mdash ; Entertainment Weekly ( @EW)September 23 , 2024

Scott did not waste any time revealing one ofGladiator II’sbiggest secrets . For all of his spirit , Lucius believed his male parent was Lucius Verus I. InGladiator II’ssecond trailer , Lucilla uncover that Maximus , Crowe ’s fabled gladiator from the first photographic film , was his unfeigned father .

“ Lucius , take your father ’s enduringness . His name was Maximus , and I see him in you , ” Lucilla tells her son in the trailer .

Mescal toldEWthat Scott speak about Lucius ’ line of descent in their initial public lecture for the theatrical role . “ He [ Scott ] mentioned it in the talk , but then it ’s an insult thing to see it written on the Sir Frederick Handley Page , and [ to have ] that duty lessen on your berm is interesting , ” Mescal say .

Early Gladiator 2 footage has ‘blown execs away’

Gladiator 2 first reaction : ‘ blow away ’ by Ridley Scott sequel star Paul Mescalhttps://t.co/hG4jsKTLpw#gladiator2#paulmescalpic.twitter.com/g9Je0mFZEc

& mdash ; Daily Express ( @Daily_Express)February 22 , 2024

prizefighter 2wrapped output in the beginning this twelvemonth . While no figure or trailers have rise online , Paramount executive have construe some former footage . In February 2024,Deadlinereported that Scott had signed on to direct a Bee Gees pic for Paramount . The report include a small but hopeful update aboutGladiator 2 .

Justin Kroll of Deadline write , “ Scott recently wrapped yield on the sequel to his smash hitGladiatorand , according to root , early footage has blown White House away . ”

Gladiator 2’s budget reportedly exceeds $300 million

vagabond Roundup : Ridley Scott ’s Very Expensive Roman Holidayhttps://t.co/NLIHc0AZDO

& mdash ; The Hollywood Reporter ( @THR)February 23 , 2024

Due to the size and plate of the labor , Gladiator2was always going to be expensive . However , The Hollywood Reporterrevealed Scott ’s continuation went “ wildly over budget . ” Initially priced at $ 165 million , the report statesGladiator 2’sbudget “ ballooned to something close to $ 310   million . ” However , Paramount insiders “ insist ” that the net cost of the shoot was under $ 250 million . Reasons behind the eminent budget let in title of animal misuse , delays triggered by the Hollywood strikes , and on - set stroke .

Can you stream Gladiator 2?

prizefighter 2will be resign theatrically in November 2024 . It will not be a day - and - date discharge on a streaming service . WhenGladiator 2does arrive at streaming , it will wind up onParamount+ .

Ridley Scott has begun work on Gladiator 3

Paramount will in all likelihood want to pass judgment the vital response and fiscal performance ofGladiator 2before green - lightingGladiator 3 . However , that has n’t stop Scott from working on a third film . Scott told France ’s Premiere cartridge holder about his plans forGladiator 3 .

“ I ’m already toying with the estimate of   ​​Gladiator 3 . No , gravely ! I ’ve illume the safety fuse , ” Scott read . “ The ending ofGladiator IIis reminiscent ofTheGodfather , with Michael Corleone finding himself with a business he did n’t want , and wondering , ‘ Now , Father , what do I do ? ’ So the next [ film ] will be about a Isle of Man who does n’t want to be where he is . ”

Gladiator 3’sidea has been conceived . Scott has even gone so far as to publish some of the screenplay .

“ I ’ve already got eight Page , ” Scott enunciate aboutGladiator 3’sdevelopment viaTotal Film .   “ I ’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint . ”

Scott added : “ If there ’s aGladiator 3 , I do n’t think you ’d ever go back into the arena . But I had to go back into the arena … ”

Gladiator 2 at CinemaCon 2024

CinemaCon is an one-year convention where the year ’s big movies are shown to exhibitors . This year , Gladiator 2is bear to have a presence , and the promo signs below show that the movie will be one of the highlights of this convention .

Gladiator2sets up at Caesars Palace onward of#CinemaCon2024.https://t.co / ACpJB0JMZypic.twitter.com / lAfzgpfXps

& mdash ; Variety ( @Variety)April 8 , 2024

& quot;What we do in lifetime echo in eternity"11.22.24#Gladiator2#CinemaCon2024#CinemaCon#Vegas#Caesarspic.twitter.com / aW26QAu53 m

& mdash ; Malco Theatres ( @malcotheatres)April 9 , 2024

On April 11 , Paramount depict the first footage ofGladiator 2to audience member at CinemaCon . Mescal ’s persona is a Lord who resign his exclusive right and fights as a gladiator . The natural process - pack trailer feature Mescal crusade a rhinoceros and a horde of baboon . Mescal also square off with Pascal ’s theatrical role . mess about in the shadows through the TV is Washington ’s quality , who front to use Mescal ’s warrior as a accelerator for the fall of the Roman Empire .

The first footage from#Gladiator2is usher by Paramount at#CinemaCon :

& quot;I commemorate that day . I never forgot it . That a slave could take revenge against an emperor," ; say Paul Mescal's character . A boat fight is see fill topographic point in the Colosseum . Paul Mescal and other…pic.twitter.com/XXc4UGjjBb

& mdash ; The Hollywood Reporter ( @THR)April 11 , 2024

Early word on Gladiator 2 after test screening is good

Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR II test - screened in Vegas . The cut shown was 2 minute 40 minutes and was depict as & quot;thrilling" ; and & quot;Oscar - worthy" ; . Connie Nielsen , Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington are say to be the standouts.https://t.co/147WHvWiv2pic.twitter.com/Kjvdscm0iu

& mdash ; Reel Updates ( @worldofreel)April 25 , 2024

According to World of Reel ’s Jordan Ruimy , Gladiator2screened in Las Vegas on April 24 . Early word on the 2 - hour - and-40 - minute cut was “ good , ” with Washington and Nielson cited as the two breakout operation . Ruimy ’s written report also state that Pascal plays Mescal ’s stepfather . When Pascal ’s fictitious character is air to battle , the wife and female parent of Mescal ’s lineament are murdered .

“ The new characters are strong . Mescal ’s performance is said to be subdue , but effective , ” Ruimy wrote . “ The standouts seems to be Connie Nielsen who does a ‘ great job , ’ very emotional and beautiful work on her part , and , according to an attendee , she could potentially get Oscar - nominated for her piece of work here . Washington , as the shadowy operator , manipulate everything , is deviously vivid . Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger ( The White Lotus ) are said to be entertain standouts as well — jaw up the scenery in their bad - rich kidskin roles . ”

Ruimy ’s source relay that the film looks “ about done ” with only a few edits result . The gladiator scenes were “ very entertaining , ” similar to the terrific fight sequences inGladiator .

New images from reshoots

R.C. legionary extra at Devil's Dyke , Brighton in Sussex for the Gladiator II reshoots this weekend:#Gladiator2#PaulMescalpic.twitter.com / KpuH8vekE3

& mdash ; The Ridley Scott Archives ( @RidleyScottArch)June 11 , 2024

prizefighter 2is still film ! That ’s proper , the output resumed activity to fit in several weeks of reshoots , so , of class , several lensman captivate the on - localization bodily function .

In the images above , the scene seem to be a monolithic battle involving Roman soldiers . The last mental image of the gentleman sit off on a horse is likely Denzel Washington ’s type , although nothing has been confirmed as of yet .

Paul Mescal on the lot of Ridley Scott ’s ‘ GLADIATOR 2’pic.twitter.com/g854iddq3S

& mdash ; right of paul mescal ( @bestofmescal)June 11 , 2024

The other simulacrum showcase Mescal ’s Lucius Verus character in full Roman costume , complete with dirt and blood from a head teacher lesion . This is the first time we ’ve see a good image of Mescal in full costume , and to be dependable , it closely resembles the feeling and feel of Russell Crowe in the originalGladiator . This is a sound affair and makes the sequel even more of a hotly anticipated movie later in 2024 .

Gladiator II footage stuns crowd at CineEurope

Paul Mescal's & # 39;Gladiator 2' ; Rocks CineEurope With Epic New Footage as Paramount Execs Tease the & # 39;Biggest Action Sequences Ever Put on Film'https://t.co / uhQID2VnhH

& mdash ; Variety ( @Variety)June 19 , 2024

At CineEurope , Paramount executive director showcased never - before - seen footage fromGladiator II , including a yet - to - be - relinquish laggard . PerVariety , Scott told the crew that the sequel would be “ well worth the delay . ” Additionally , Mark Viane , Paramount ’s president of international theatrical statistical distribution , order the interview thatGladiator IIfeatures some of the “ large military action succession ever put on film . ”

First look at Gladiator II previews a battle between Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal

gear up to be think of . Your first face at ‘ Gladiator II , ’ star Paul Mescal , Pedro Pascal , Denzel Washington , Connie Nielsen , Joseph Quinn , Fred Hechinger , and more , has get .

🔗 : https://t.co/DIGAL9DVRfpic.twitter.com/KKz7IxCD34

& mdash ; VANITY FAIR ( @VanityFair)July 1 , 2024

On July 1,Vanity Fairreleased the first look atGladiator II , with icon boast Mescal , Pascal , Washington , Hechinger , and Quinn . One photo sport Mescal and Pascal square off in the gladiatorial arena . Scott lately spoke about what will happen to Mescal ’s Lucius when he returns to Rome and sees his female parent .

“ When he [ Lucius ] gets to Rome as a captive and has a first bout in the arena , he sees his mother [ Lucilla ] — to his shock , ” Scott distinguish Vanity Fair . “ He does n’t acknowledge whether she ’s alive or not . How would he know ? You do n’t have telephone set . There ’s no military press . And there ’s his mother in the royal box expect pretty undecomposed after 20 years . And she ’s with the general who he amount face - to - expression with on the wall in Numidia . ”

First Look : Paul Mescal is Lucius in & # 39;Gladiator II.' ;

See more double from Ridley Scott's upcoming film : https://t.co / WWYVKnybYXpic.twitter.com / Y1WFNN0rWJ

Gladiator II features the biggest action scene Ridley Scott has ever directed

EXCLUSIVE ⚔ ️#GladiatorIIstarts with & quot;probably the biggest action successiveness I ’ve ever done," ; Ridley Scott tells Empire .

& quot;Probably bigger than anything in Napoleon," ; he says .

show MORE : https://t.co / qIJuFrePNMpic.twitter.com / Ifw5QK9arP

& mdash ; Empire ( @empiremagazine)July 29 , 2024

Scott know he had to go large inGladiator IIif the film had any pellet of improving on the original . How big ? In an interview withEmpire , Scott explain how the curtain raising action sequence is the “ biggest thing ” he ’s ever done in his career . Remember that Scott has directed iconic film likeAlien , Gladiator , Blade Runner , andBlack Hawk Down . However , Scott believes no scene in those iconic moving picture has come nigh to the scope ofGladiator II‘s porta .

“ We begin the picture with in all probability the biggest action sequence I ’ve ever done , ” Scott order . “ believably freehanded than anything inNapoleon . ”

Denzel Washington reveals why he joined Gladiator II

EXCLUSIVE : Denzel Washington talks put to work with Tony and Ridley Scott , as he re - team with Ridley on#GladiatorII .

& quot;Both are great filmmakers," ; he tells Empire . & quot;They ca n’t miss." ;

READ MORE : https://t.co / Pi6rghhoSGpic.twitter.com / NYEgAOXnm0

& mdash ; Empire ( @empiremagazine)August 23 , 2024

At 69 , Washington has already cemented himself as one of the greatest thespian of all time . With two Oscars , three Golden Globes , and one Tony , Washington has nothing to prove . The hazard to work with Scott , who he cooperate with onAmerican Gangster , was too ripe to pass up .

“ There are very few films left for me to make that I ’m interested in , and I have to be exhort by the film maker , and I was enormously inspired by Ridley , ” Washington toldEmpire Magazine . “ He ’s engaged . He ’s excited about life and his next picture show . He ’s an intake . We should all want to feel like that at 86 . ”

Washington has the uncommon preeminence of working with both Ridley and Tony Scott . While Washington refuses to compare the buddy , The Equalizerstar has no problem showering them with congratulations and admiration .

“ I do n’t equate directors , ” Washington said in the same interview . “ You see the dissimilar personalities . I suppose they do [ have similarities ] . On the days when we ’re inject , I ’m busy with what I ’m doing . So I ’m not compare this one to that one , but obviously both are great filmmaker . They ca n’t drop . ”

Ridley Scott believes Gladiator II is one of the best things he’s made

EXCLUSIVE ⚔ ️#GladiatorIIis & quot;the good thing I ’ve ever made" ; , Ridley Scott tell Empire .

Or , at least , & quot;one of the good things" ; . & quot;I’ve made a few good’uns," ; he says .

record MORE : https://t.co / xc8KtnJeVxpic.twitter.com / TyTKTzCGpz

& mdash ; Empire ( @empiremagazine)August 22 , 2024

What is Scott ’s best photographic film ? It ’s a sloshed interrogation , regard the 86 - year - old has directed some of the salutary films ever made . Alien , Blade Runner , andGladiatorare certified classics . While Scott ab initio believedGladiator IIcould be his upright work , he eventually conceded and acknowledged his other great pic .

“ It ’s the ripe thing I ’ve ever made , ” Scott toldEmpire Magazine . “ One of the best things . I ’ve made a few good ’ uns . ”

Denzel Washington praises Paul Mescal’s performance

& mdash ; Variety ( @Variety)September 10 , 2024

create a continuation superior to its Oscar - get ahead predecessor is no well-fixed job . Washington understood this pressure when signing on for the use . However , Washington credit Mescal and Pascal for stepping up , draw their performances as better than secure . Washington even went so far as to single out Mescal , who give one of the best public presentation of his young career .

“ Not sound . Great . Both of them , ” Washington toldVariety . “ It ’s a hard act to follow , and Paul pulled it off . He ’s his own gladiator . ”

Gladiator II Oscars’ chances

Paramount will positionGladiator IIas an awards season challenger , with multiple Oscar nominations possible . Even with a potent vital reception and high box federal agency gross , Gladiator IIis struggle an uphill battle at the Academy Awards . The Godfather series is the only franchise with multiple Best Picture win . Furthermore , The Godfather Part IIandThe Lord of the Rings : The Return of the Kingare the only sequels to get ahead Best Picture .

Gladiator IIwill be a major player in the below - the - line categories , like Visual Effects and Production Design . Above - the - short letter is much trickier to predict . Based on the oddsmakers and pundits , Mescal will campaign for Best Actor , with Washington and Mescal electing for Supporting Actor . Scott could easy discover his way in the Best Director category . Best Pictureis very possible if the movie performs well .

Gladiator II’s first reactions generate high praise

Welcome back to the f*king flick !

That tally up#GladiatorII . Ridley Scott's serious directorial effort since & quot;Black Hawk Down." ; I found Paul Mescal's work as Lucius to be one of the film's most honest surprise . This is Denzel Washington , having the prison term of his lifetime in one of his…pic.twitter.com/5ETqmXdbDD

& mdash ; Clayton Davis ( @ByClaytonDavis)October 19 , 2024

With one calendar month until its theatrical release , Gladiator IIis finally being screened for both fans and critics . The initial reactions are extremely positive , with many praising Scott ’s direction and the operation by Mescal and Washington .

Variety ’s Clayton DavissaidGladiator IIis Scott ’s “ best directorial elbow grease sinceBlack Hawk Down ” and enounce the sequel is “ another megahit the Academy can most definitely embrace . ”

Next Best Picture ’s Will Mavitycalled Washington ’s performance “ special ” and believes he can win his third Oscar ifGladiator IImakes it into the Best Picture category .

Puck ’s Scott Mendelsonsaid he likedGladiator IIbut said it “ lacks the braveness of its convictions amid the ‘ do by the first film as pure gospel ’ brain that chivy too many legacy sequels . ”

Discussing Film ’s Andrew J. Salazarsaid the subsequence miss the emotional punch of the first film , but the visuals “ get the job done . ”

Gladiator II gets its own popcorn bucket

Finish the Zea mays everta , scan the codification , and allow the games begin . see your own augmented realness gladiator battle with the#GladiatorIIPopcorn AR - ENA Bucket . Get yours at@Cinemarkopening weekend and get tickets today.pic.twitter.com/qINBIfJhg2

& mdash ; Gladiator Movie ( @GladiatorMovie)October 22 , 2024

2024 might colloquially become the “ year of the Zea mays everta bucket . ”Deadpool & Wolverineshattered the Internet with itsbig - mouth popcorn buckets , whileAlien : Romulusterrified its audiences with Xenomorph container . Now , Gladiator IIenters the sheepfold with an arena popcorn bucket . The bucket is shaped like a gladiatorial arena , perfect for holding Zea mays everta . stake by augmented reality , user can scan a QR codification to imitate a prizefighter fight in the container .

Gladiator II’s early box office tracking suggests a $50 million opening weekend

Actually#Gladiator2might in fact gain as much as#Oppenheimerdid fromthe#Glicked,#Gladicked,#Wickiator , you name it double placard caper with#Wickedat US#BoxOffice , because pre - sales for that one have kept a grow steady tempo , strange for pic with such a … https://t.co / EeP8FCXlkmpic.twitter.com / YaV1Y9DGdC

& mdash ; Luiz Fernando ( @Luiz_Fernando_J)October 19 , 2024

CouldGladiator IIandWickedbecome the fresh “ Barbenheimer ? ” It ’s unlikely the Roman epos and a melodic reach the box office heights ofBarbieandOppenheimer . However , WickedandGladiator IIare expected to generate skillful line of work for theaters this November . PerDeadline , Wicked‘s three - solar day domestic porta is tracking between $ 67 million and $ 74 million , whileGladiator II’sopening hovers around $ 45 million .

However , Box Office TheorybelievesGladiator IIcan loose north of $ 50 million . The range on Box Office Theory falls between $ 53 million and $ 75 million .