Gladiator IIdebuts with a Rotten Tomatoes score higher than the original.Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2000, has a 79% approval rate generated from 258 critical reviews. The sequel is a follow-up to Scott’s award-winning film, which sees Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus, being driven into the gladiator arena when General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades his home under the commands of Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).
According toRotten Tomatoes(via X), the first reviews forGladiator IIare here, and they have generated a higher score than the original.From 45 reviews,Gladiator IIdebuts with an 84% critical approval rate, granting the movie a “Fresh” status, which is a rank given to movies with more than 60% positive critical reviews. Critics were impressed by Denzel Washington’s performance as Marcrinus. Many pointed out that the long-awaited sequel separates itself from the original.
What This Means For Gladiator II
Critics Favor The Sequel
Given that the wait forGladiator IIis more than 20 years and Scott’s original is an Oscar winner, the pressure for the sequel is high. Critics are more likely to be skeptical when comparing the follow-up movie to the 2000s classic. However, it seems thatthe director’s2024Gladiatorsequelhas managed to win most critics' hearts.
Gladiator 2 Confirms The Biggest Maximus Theory After 24 Years
Gladiator 2’s second trailer reveals some major plot information pertaining to the 2024 movie – including some that confirms a huge Maximus theory.
By having a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than the original,the sequel seems to prove its ability to stand against the test of the original. As many pointed out, the movie is strong enough on its merits.Screen Rant’s review forGladiator IIgives it 8 out of 10 rating, noting its “epic arena fights, stirring performances, and lush visuals” while taking a dive at “the absurdity of Rome and its gladiatorial tradition.”
Our Take on Gladiator II
Gladiator II Sounds Promising
It is still surprising that the originalGladiatoronly has a 79% critical approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes, but it’s true that many critics were unimpressed when the film came out, including Roger Ebert, who complained about the writing being bland and melodramatic. Critical approvals don’t always align with the audience’s satisfaction. Winning an Oscar has certainly proved the movie’s prestigious status.
Gladiator II’s high Rotten Tomatoes score certainly makes the film sound more promising. The reviews are a relief in the movie does not sound like an unnecessary follow-up. The truth is far from it, given that Scott is already working onGladiator 3.Judging by the reviews, it also sounds like the sequel won’t be as emotionally heavy as the original. Instead, it leans into humor and absurdity. With it coming to the theaters in the U.S. on August 14, 2025, the wait will finally be over.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
