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Gladiator is considered by many, me included, to be one of the greatest cinematic achievements ever. If anything, it certainly is Russell Crowe’s crowning achievement in his career. Director Ridley Scott crafted a sword and sandal epic like no other and it stands as a blood-soaked piece of cinematic history. The movie itself had a beginning, a middle and an end and it really didn’t warrant a sequel because its story had been told. Plus, if a sequel was created, could it be as good or better than the original?
Well, here we are in 2024 and yes there is a sequel to the first which sees Scott returning behind the camera which bodes well for the movie. The first film was an Oscar winner which is a hard act to follow but if anyone can do it, it would be Scott. This sequel has been buzzing for months and months and now we have our first look at the follow up which looks positively Shakespearian. Epic is another word that comes to mind with another stellar cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen and the one and only Denzel Washington. Scroll below to witness the greatness because you will be entertained!!!!
From legendary director Ridley Scott, 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.
I’m sure there will be many out there that will dismiss this as it could never truly reach the heights of the first film but good lord. The trailer gives us an incredible look at how the massive budget was used with friggin’ sharks in the coliseum to add more to the already suicide mission proceedings, large scale and epic battles that will make any action fan salivate with unequaled bloodlust, Denzel Washington doing Denzal Washington things as only he can on screen, and Paul Mescal’s Lucius taking on The Mandalorian himself Pedro Pascal who plays Marcys Acacius in the arena of sport and blood with some amazing action design and enough sword clanging and crashing to make you smile from ear to ear. I’m all in!
Gladiator II hits theaters on November 22nd!!!
