It has not yet hit the cinemas, but critics were lucky enough to see an advance screening praising Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 as a film that will get its third Academy Award.
Blockbuster, which is scheduled to be released on November 15, comes 24 years after Russell Crowe’s film, with the legendary Maximus the long-lost star and a new gladiator emerging.
Played by none other than Normal People actor Paul Mescal, 28, takes on the lead role of Lucius in Scott’s long-awaited follow-up feature, with Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington also in the cast.
And while the trailer released in September made fans excited about what’s to come, especially since Lucius is faced with only one option to fight for his rights after being separated from his wife and daughter, it seems that the latest online chat has given fans even more. reason to want away today.
Taking to X, Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic Jillian Chili called the film an ‘absolute triumph’ and praised Ridley for her story.
‘GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott puts you in an arena focused on legacy and honor to add blood, battle, and biceps to a deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and certified movie star Joseph Quinn,” he said.
Variety’s Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis, also weighing in on the film, said it’s time for blockbuster movies to return.
‘Welcome to the f*****g movie!’ he wrote. ‘That concludes #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. This is Denzel Washington, having the time of his life in one of the most killer roles yet.
He went on to say: ‘A third Oscar may be coming. Sound, visuals, costumes, you name it, this movie gets it. Another blockbuster that could be accepted by the Academy. Let’s go!’
Elsewhere, entertainment writer for The Root, Shanelle Genai said: ‘It’s not like I don’t know you’ll know.. #GladiatorII might be the best movie of the year for me & I’m sorry I’ve seen so many movies this year, I didn’t mean it. to be hyperbolic but I can’t overstate SINCE this movie RUNS, DON’T RUN to theaters on November 22nd!’
Producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson also had kind words for the film, writing: ‘#GladiatorII delivers the richest feast of epic action and delicious betrayal.
‘Dovetailing the style with the original, Paul Mescal leads the solid, star cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.’
Emmy-nominated producer and entertainment reporter Scott Mantz added: ‘GLADIATOR II is the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel that lives up to its Oscar-winning predecessor – great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances all over the place (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I am entertained!’
It comes after the second trailer confirms a bombshell fan theory involving Mescal’s character.
A bombshell we’re about to reveal, so if you don’t want spoilers, click out now.
Jaw-dropping moments The trailer reveals that Lucius is not the son of Lucius Verus, as he thought, but the son of Maximus, yes, Crowe’s character from the first film.
A shock revelation came to the fans when Lucius’s mother, Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen, emotionally tells him before they fight in the Colosseum: ‘Lucius, take your father’s power. His name is Maximus. And I see a man in you.’
The trailer then cuts to Maximus’ name carved into the wall, which Lucius touched before the battle.
Gladiator 2 will be in theaters from November 15.
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