Movie Review: ‘Gladiator II’

While the sequel to the 2000 original doesn’t quite reach the same level, it will certainly leave you entertained, especially when Denzel Washington’s on screen.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Opening in theaters on November 22nd, ‘Gladiator II’ marks Ridley Scott’s long-awaited return to the political machinations and violence-filled arena of his 2000 hit, which helped make Russell Crowe a star.

The new movie naturally doesn’t feature Crowe’s Maximus, but his legacy and imprint is all over the sequel much in the way that ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ called back to its own original film.

Will ‘Gladiator II’ Echo Through Eternity?

(L to R) Pedro Pascal plays General Acacius and Paul Mescal plays Lucius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

It was surprising that, given the cultural impact, box office success and Oscar success of the 2000 film, Paramount didn’t simply try to capitalize with a sequel. Part of that might be explained by Ridley Scott trying to find a good reason and the right story (after all, his main character, soldier-turned-gladiator Maximus, played by Russell Crowe –– spoiler alert –– dies at the end).

Scott has finally found something he’s happy with, setting the narrative 16 years after the events of the original, yet featuring plenty of links to that movie. In fact, there are some elements that are embedded as deeply as a trident in flesh.

It’s welcome that the director waited and made sure he was truly ready to return to this world and has rustled up an effective cast to carry on the legacy (a word that hangs heavy over this film) and can deploy even more spectacular moments in the arena.

Script and Direction

(L to R) Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Following a long process of development, with a lot of writers trying their hand at a new screenplay, the director has worked with David Scarpa, who scripted previous movies such as ‘Napoleon’ and ‘All the Money in the World’ for Scott. With a story credit for Peter Craig, the new screenplay is robust and meaty, full of political maneuvering and the sort of big speeches about honor and victory that you might expect from a ‘Gladiator’ movie.

Does it lean a little too heavily on the first film at times, whole sequences feeling like callbacks to it? Yes, but that doesn’t detract from the overall power of the new entry. There are the heroic central characters, sneery villains and one standout role that will have people talking.

Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

As for Scott’s direction, the 86-year-old filmmaker shows no sign of slowing down and invests the new movie will plenty of panache. In fact, this is one of his best films in years, balancing tone and battles far more assuredly than ‘Napoleon’ ever managed.

He and his team have also managed to conjure up some fine fights, making this the rare sequel that can stand alongside the original, while not quite reaching the same quality threshold.

‘Gladiator II’: Performances

Paul Mescal as Lucius

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Paul Mescal, whose star has been rising fast on the back of performances in shows such as ‘Normal People’ and movies including ‘Aftersun’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’ is solid as Lucius –– the grown up version of the young character we met in the original.

He’s suitably fiery in the role, driven by rage and vengeance, but a measured leader of men much like Crowe, and indeed a very similar character. While Lucius is perhaps not as memorable as Maximus (partly because he’s a similar well-used heroic type), Mescal entirely convincing in the role and very able in the fight scenes.

Denzel Washington as Macrinus

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

If there is a standout in this film, it’s Washington, who steals every scene he so much as wanders into and eats scenery like it’s a fine steak dinner. Macrinus is an excellent fit for the actor, and between his superb outfits and wily attitude, he seems certain to be in consideration for a supporting actor Oscar this year.

Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta and Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla

Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Taking on the sneery ruler role (the original film’s version was Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix), Quinn and Hechinger make a great double act. Pasty-faced and cruel, they bring different shades to the twin emperors.

Quinn is, initially at least, the more ambitious of the pair, with little regard for the people. But it’s Hechinger who ends up making the bigger impact with his combo of Salacious Crumb-style cackles while watching gladiators fight and his monkey sidekick (another scene-stealer).

Connie Nielsen as Lucilla

Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Nielsen reprises her role as Lucius’ mother, here given more depth since the grown version of her son is bitter and resentful since she packed him off to Africa years ago to protect him. She’s just as powerful in the role in the past, even if she also has to be as passive given her position in society.

Supporting cast

Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Pedro Pascal does good work as Marcus Acacius, the general dispatched to conquer the city where Lucius is living, which brings them into each other’s orbit. There is more to him than the trailers and other publicity might suggest, and Pascal gives it his all.

And shout out to the supporting likes of Derek Jacobi (also reprising his senatorial role from the original) and Peter Mensah as the leader of the city where Lucius has been living and a commander in its army.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.

Scott has certainly put a lot of work into the new ‘Gladiator’ and though it occasionally falls short of his original film, with beats and the odd action scene that feel like “what if that bit from ‘Gladiator’ but with slightly different elements?” it’s still a great example of a legacy sequel.

Will you be entertained? Most certainly.

‘Gladiator II’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

Gladiator II

"Prepare to be entertained."

R2 hr 28 minNov 22nd, 2024

Showtimes & Tickets

Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the... Read the Plot

What’s the story of ‘Gladiator II’?

‘Gladiator II’ continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.

With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.