Gladiator IIReview: Ridley Scott Returns to the Colosseum for Epic Sequel That's Even Bigger Than the Original

Mar. 15, 2025

Paul Mescal in Gladiator II.Photo:Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

It’s been nearly 25 years since legendary directorRidley Scottmade sword-and-sandal epics popular again with his box office juggernautGladiator. That 2000 blockbuster boasted a muscular and commandingRussell Croweas former Roman general Maximus, who exacted revenge in the Colosseum against those who’d enslaved him. It also won five Oscars, including Best Actor (Crowe) and Best Picture.

Crowedoesn’t return for this long-anticipated follow-up(his character died in the original), but his mythic character still looms large inGladiator II, which stars a beefed-upPaul Mescalas Lucius, Maximus’ son with Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, making a welcome return).

Lucius’ life takes on a similar trajectory to his late father’s when he’s enslaved and forced into battle as a gladiator.

Gladiator II.Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

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InGladiator, Maximus memorably fended off tigers in one thrilling clash. Scott ups the ante here, pitting more animals against the fighters (rhinos, baboons and, yes, sharks are thrown into the ring) and opening with an aquatic battle that ranks among the filmmaker’s most elaborate action sequences ever.

Gladiator IIis in theaters now.

source: people.com