The first reactions to Gladiator II launch the sequel into the Oscar race

It’s been much than 20 years since Ridley Scott’s Gladiator premiered and fought each nan measurement to nan Best Picture Oscar. Gladiator II is group to deed theaters adjacent month, and we’re now seeing nan first reactions to nan movie online.

Happy Sad Confused host Josh Horowitz writes that nan movie is “pretty f**king great,” while Variety‘s Clayton Davis highlighted a fewer of nan film’s cardinal performers: “I recovered Paul Mescal’s activity arsenic Lucius to beryllium 1 of nan film’s astir honorable surprises. This is Denzel Washington, having nan clip of his life successful 1 of his astir slayer roles yet. A 3rd Oscar could very good travel his way,” he wrote.

Film journalist Scott Manzel adds: “Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s champion movie since The Martian. A big, bloody and bada** action spectacle that builds upon nan bequest of nan original.”

Matt Brennan of the Los Angeles Times called nan movie “the ‘we are truthful back’ of bloody costume epics.”

These rave responses are surely getting fans excited, but they’re besides a boon for Paramount Pictures, which has positioned nan movie arsenic a awesome awards contender. The movie is group 16 years aft nan first installment, and follows Paul Mescal’s Lucius, who was a boy successful nan first film, arsenic he is forced into slavery and pushed into nan ring, conscionable for illustration his begetter was.

Scott has not ever been met pinch a lukewarm reception for his caller releases, and immoderate of nan guidance to Gladiator II suggests that it could beryllium his champion directorial effort successful a decade. Even so, he has a agelong way grounds of awards success, and that’s thing that Paramount is hoping will proceed pinch this film. You tin spot much reactions to nan movie below:

Welcome backmost to nan f*king movies!

That sums up #GladiatorII. Ridley Scott's champion directorial effort since "Black Hawk Down." I recovered Paul Mescal's activity arsenic Lucius to beryllium 1 of nan film's astir honorable surprises. This is Denzel Washington, having nan clip of his life successful 1 of his… pic.twitter.com/5ETqmXdbDD

— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) October 19, 2024

GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott places you successful nan action of nan arena centered connected bequest and grant amping up nan blood, battles,and biceps for thing truthful deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, & Joseph Quinn certified movie stars. pic.twitter.com/0oy0jjrRUH

— Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) October 19, 2024

denzel washington is having nan clip of his LIFE successful gladiator two. watching him chew up worldly worthy of his talent was an honor. pic.twitter.com/aoxap2mSZS

— kenzie xcx 🐦‍⬛ (@kenzvanunu) October 19, 2024

GLADIATOR II useful champion arsenic an acting showcase for Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, & Joseph Quinn. It's mostly uneven & lacks nan affectional punch of nan first film.

However, Ridley Scott's guidance is unhinged, framing this arsenic an epic Roman opera. The visuals get nan occupation done. pic.twitter.com/R0xRDFTuwX

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

GLADIATOR II is simply a existent epic and Ridley Scott’s champion successful years. Paul Mescal is simply a awesome action prima without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to nan throne. Denzel Washington EATS each statement and costume without ever overplaying. #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/eKY2UqDNPi

— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) October 19, 2024