Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” test-screened last night in Las Vegas. Early word is good on this one, which is said to follow a very similar blueprint as the original, but also stands out as its own unique take.
A few months ago, at CinemaCon, Scott, appearing via video, introduced an unfinished trailer to the crowd. He also said the sequel was “more extraordinary” than the first one. Once people finally laid their eyes on the footage, the praise was universal.
The cut shown last night clocked in at 2 hours 40 minutes. It’s a very cut and dry revenge story, but no less thrilling. The monkey gladiator scene is being described as “gory” and “absolutely insane” with monkeys ripping off faces and bones.
It’s a revenge story. Pedro Pascal’s character is Paul Mescal’s stepdad. Mescal’s wife is murdered. Mescal, a noble journeyman, goes to the capital to seek revenge and fight his way to the top of the chain. Denzel Washington’s puppet master, the true villain of the film, oversees everything and is impressed by his talents
The new characters are strong. Mescal’s performance is said to be subdued, but effective. The standouts seems to be Connie Nielsen who does a “great job,” very emotional and beautiful work on her part, and, according to an attendee, she could potentially get Oscar nominated for her work here. Washington, as the shadowy operator, manipulating everything, is deviously brilliant. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are said to be entertaining standouts as well — chewing up the scenery in their spoiled-rich kid roles.
The attendee goes on to praise the production design and costumes. The sets here are beautiful and spacious, replicating the look and feel of the original. The gladiator arena scenes were, much like the original, very entertaining — there’s sharks, killer monkeys, a massive rhino and overall great fighting/action. It looks nearly done, only a few gory edits aren’t finished like cuts on people, deaths (by arrow or sword). Harry Gregson Williams’ score was excellent, it flowed very well with the film.
A few months ago, a THR report confirmed that Scott’s sequel had its budget “balloon” from $165 million to a whopping $310 million. The piece went on to describe Paramount execs as feeling “terribly vexed” by the whole ordeal, but felt relieved once they saw footage of the film which “blew them away. There’s a lot riding on this film and Scott might have delivered something worthy.
“Gladiator 2” is currently scheduled for a November 22, 2024 release.