Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as ‘watchable and spectacular’

Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'

As a cinephile with over three decades of film-viewing under my belt, I must say that Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has left me both awestruck and somewhat divided. On one hand, it is an action-packed spectacle, filled with the grandeur and intensity that we have come to expect from the directorial powerhouse. On the other, it seems to be a scattershot effort with undernourished plotlines and half-formed characters, much like a gladiator struggling to find his footing in the arena.


Director Ridley Scott has revealed if there will be a third Gladiator film.

The 86-year-old filmmaker has revealed in a recent interview that he’s already plotting the production of another film, mere days following the global premiere of Gladiator II.

In the next installment, you’ll find Irish performer Paul Mescal alongside Denzel Washington. This follow-up has garnered praise from critics as both ‘engaging’ and ‘spectacular’.

Speaking to The Times Ridley spoke about his future projects which also include a western inspired by The Proposition and a new thriller.

In response to your query about starting Gladiator III, I shared that I have penned down twelve pages so far. To clarify, I’ve also begun sketching my storyboard visuals for the project.

Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'

Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'

In the wake of Gladiator II, critics acclaimed that Denzel Washington’s mesmerizing portrayal effectively outshone the entire film.

In the thrilling movie, although Paul, aged 28, is the central character, playing the role of the vengeful Roman heir turned Gladiator, it’s Denzel’s performance as the cunning and power-hungry Mecrinus that has sparked intrigue among viewers.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can’t help but admire the captivating performance of the 69-year-old Hollywood icon. His delivery of lines exudes an undeniable ‘pure camp,’ making it clear that Denzel Washington is not just acting, but truly savoring the role of the ‘smug, self-satisfied schemer.’ He seems to revel in every moment on screen, and it’s impossible not to notice.

In the film, it’s reported that Paul, who gained prominence in 2020’s Normal People, serves as the dynamic core. He radiates charm and masculinity, often described as an overflow of charisma and testosterone.

Despite mixed opinions from critics who feel it falls short of the first movie’s greatness, many viewers consider Gladiator II a success, praising it as both entertaining and visually impressive. One critic even went so far as to call it “enjoyable and awe-inspiring.

According to Brian Viner from The Daily Mail, although the sequel doesn’t quite live up to its exceptional original, it remains a “stack of outlandish and intense entertainment.

Although this sequel may not reach the lofty peaks of the original movie and sometimes bends historical facts to suit its narrative, it’s still deserving of a somewhat positive review.

In his review, he awards four stars and states: ‘Indeed, Lucius fearlessly faces every challenge the Colosseum presents, from deadly baboons to an astonishing scene that might make historians of ancient Rome toss their books in shock – a war-ready rhinoceros riding on its back.’

Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'
Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'
Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'

Plus, it’s unnecessary to discuss the inclusion of ferocious sharks as an added element for a reenactment of a sea battle, making it seem more authentic.

As I explore this fascinating era, it’s hard not to notice the stark contrast between the grandeur of Rome and the morally bankrupt leadership that has taken over. Under the tyrannical reign of the brothers Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), Rome seems to have devolved into a den of immorality and corruption, a far cry from its once-great status as an empire.

In a unique blend, Hechinger is rumored to have patterned Caracalla after Johnny Rotten, while Geta, suffering from syphilis, was partly influenced by Sid Vicious. This unconventional combination of ancient Rome and the Sex Pistols has certainly grown on me.

‘The emperors’ over-the-top ghastliness borders on the comedic but then it’s best not to take any of this seriously.’

I affirm: Indeed, Scott seems to disregard historical accuracy, even in his personal tales, but let’s not judge harshly. At the venerable age of 86, he still possesses a knack for creating captivating sword-and-sandals epics, so let us overlook the facts.

In another take, The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw points out that Denzel Washington stole the show in the movie. He notes that Washington embodied the character of Macrinus, a role originally played by Oliver Reed, who was a shrewd and ambitious slave-owner and slave-trainer. This Macrinus aspires to transform his warlord position into political power, much like the modern-day Russian figure, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

In truth, Washington nearly dominates the entire scene as Macrinus cleverly takes advantage of Senator Thraex’s gambling problem and deceitful nature, played by Tim McInnerny.

In a possible future for this movie, it could be Washington’s line that becomes the viral social media quote. He says, ‘That, my friend, is politics…ah!’ as he hisses menacingly into Thraex’s face, causing him to wince.

According to Boyd Hilton from Empire, Denzel Washington’s scenes outshine all others in the film. In his words, ‘Washington almost single-handedly steals the entire movie. It’s evident that he relishes the opportunity to play a self-important, arrogant mastermind. Some of his delivery is over-the-top, verging on camp.’

However, The Times’ Kevin Maher was not entertained by film, awarding it only two stars.

As a connoisseur of cinema, I must express my dismay regarding Ridley Scott’s sequel. Frankly, it falls short as a ‘legacy sequel,’ a term used for belated follow-ups, and has been the most disappointing since Prometheus. The attempt feels scattershot, with characters that are only half-formed (apart from one exception). The plotlines appear underdeveloped, seemingly conceived merely to echo the Russell Crowe original in dialogue rather than being substantially nourished on their own.

While he acknowledges Paul as a multi-talented performer, he notes that his portrayals are somewhat unstable and he often finds it challenging to bring life to the roles he plays.

Similarly, just as many others have, Denzel’s performance as Macrinus garners high praise. Maher further notes that the character is clever, devious, bisexual, power-hungry, and haunted by a painful past. When he appears on screen, the movie comes alive with energy.

Similarly, Patrick Smith from The Independent didn’t particularly enjoy the movie, calling it a ‘disorganized chaos’, yet acknowledges that Denzel Washington plays a remarkable role in the ancient world film, alongside a monkey.

He pens of the Hollywood star: ‘Denzel Washington, as a slave-owner with soaring ambitions, is deliciously sly, stealing every scene and generally putting all the actors to shame. He’s the film’s only real winner, apart perhaps from Caracalla’s pet monkey, who lights up the screen.

Similar to other critics’ opinions, Nick Curtis from The Standard emphasizes that Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus stands out in the film. He describes Macrinus as the cunning and jeweled trainer of gladiators who sports a wolflike grin, possessing his own unique objectives.

In my expertise, Washington effortlessly steals the spotlight in each scenario, masterfully advancing both the storyline and its development. Interestingly, there seems to be an assistant senator character, whom I’d nickname ‘Expositus’, due to his knack for providing crucial background information, yet he remains unnamed in the story.

In simpler terms, the praise for the movie also includes recognition of director Ridley Scott. He stated that the latest film is just another shining example of a well-crafted, action-packed historical epic from this accomplished director, who continues to excel at his craft even at 87 years old and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Director Ridley Scott reveals if there will be a third Gladiator film after his sequel which critics lauded as 'watchable and spectacular'

In the sequel, named “Gladiator II”, we find ourselves following Paul, a previous heir to the Roman Empire, who is unwillingly reduced to slavery. His circumstances lead him to engage in combat within the Colosseum, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming his former glory.

In the movie, it falls to the character of Lucius (played by Paul), driven by revenge, to battle for his freedom. He was captured into slavery and tragically separated from his spouse and child, under the command of General Marcus (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), after Maximus, famously portrayed by Russell Crowe, had already perished and been laid to rest.

According to Lucius’ strategy for retribution, he courageously participates in the arena combat on behalf of Macrinus (Washington), a man who once was enslaved.

Macrinus enlists Lucius to help him carry out a scheme aimed at dethroning the joint emperors, Geta and Caracalla, with the ultimate goal of seizing their thrones himself.

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2024-11-17 14:19

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