Ridley Scott’s ambitious sequel, Gladiator 2, set out to expand on the legacy of the 2000 classic. However, as the film prepares for its U.S. release on November 22, early reviews suggest it falls short of its predecessor. Featuring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Maximus, and a star-studded ensemble including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen, the sequel had all the elements for success. Yet, a combination of rushed production, lackluster storytelling, and missteps in execution has left fans longing for the gravitas of the original. Here’s a breakdown of what went wrong.
Ridley Scott’s Rapid-Fire Production Lacks Depth
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 opens with a visually intense battle sequence, evoking the gritty grandeur of the original. But beyond this initial promise, the film struggles to maintain momentum. The production’s fast pace—hailed by actress Connie Nielsen as “unbelievable”—seems to have come at the expense of quality.
“What would have taken three hours to set up 25 years ago now takes 20 minutes.” – Connie Nielsen
This speed translated into questionable creative choices. The recreation of ancient Rome feels inconsistent, with CGI elements like sharks in the gladiatorial arena bordering on the absurd. The shift in tone toward a campy aesthetic, reminiscent of Scott’s Napoleon, undermines the historical gravitas that defined the original. Additionally, uninspired camerawork and a lack of polish leave the audience disengaged.
A Screenplay That Lacks the Power of the Original
David Scarpa’s screenplay for Gladiator 2 lacks the emotional depth and poetic dialogue that made the original film iconic. The decision to reveal Lucius as the illegitimate son of Maximus and Lucilla raises eyebrows, tarnishing Maximus’ moral legacy. This plot twist, coupled with a formulaic narrative, detracts from the emotional stakes.
Scarpa’s dialogue struggles to deliver memorable lines. While Maximus’ rallying cry, “Are you not entertained?” remains iconic, Lucius’ attempt at a motivational monologue,
“This is about survival. So survive!” – Lucius
falls flat. The screenplay’s reliance on nostalgic callbacks only highlights its inability to carve a unique identity.
A Disappointing Musical Score
The absence of Hans Zimmer, whose score for the original Gladiator earned an Oscar nomination, is acutely felt. Harry Gregson-Williams, a capable composer, was tasked with filling Zimmer’s shoes but struggled to capture the emotional weight and majesty that Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard brought to the original.
“I’ve done that world… I liked the idea of moving on.” – Hans Zimmer
Gregson-Williams’ compositions feel disjointed and fail to enhance key moments in the film. While the original’s music remains a benchmark, the sequel’s score is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Denzel Washington Shines, But the Role Feels Misplaced
Denzel Washington delivers a commanding performance as Macrinus, a former slave turned scheming politician. His portrayal of the ambitious antagonist is nuanced, drawing on his theatrical roots. However, the shallow storytelling diminishes the impact of his character. Unlike Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus in the original, who embodied a deeply personal and volatile antagonist, Macrinus feels like a one-dimensional villain.
Criticism has also been directed at Washington’s decision to use his natural accent for the role, as fans expected an attempt at authenticity for his North African character.
“I didn’t want to end up imitating someone and end up with a bad African accent.” – Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal Struggles to Step Into Russell Crowe’s Shoes
Paul Mescal delivers a competent performance as Lucius, but the character is written as a shadow of Maximus, making direct comparisons inevitable—and unfavorable. The storyline borrows heavily from the original, from Lucius’ motivations to his tragic backstory, diminishing Mescal’s opportunity to leave a distinct mark.
While Mescal excels in physicality and fight choreography, he lacks the emotional gravitas that Russell Crowe brought to Maximus. Crowe’s portrayal of a fallen general turned gladiator was both heroic and deeply human, while Mescal’s Lucius feels more like a pawn in the film’s larger narrative. Fans are left yearning for the moral complexity and indomitable spirit of Maximus.
Gladiator 2 had immense potential to build on the legacy of its predecessor. Instead, it falls victim to rushed production, uneven storytelling, and the weight of comparisons to the original. Despite commendable performances from Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal, the film fails to deliver the emotional and cinematic impact fans expected. Ridley Scott’s ambition to revisit the world of Gladiator is admirable, but the result is a sequel that feels more like a pale imitation than a worthy continuation. As audiences prepare to revisit the Colosseum, they may find themselves longing for the days of Maximus Decimus Meridius.