Much like the 2000 original, “Gladiator II” has officially been rated R for strong bloody violence. The first one nabbed the same rating for “intense graphic combat.” Based on early reactions, the sequel seems to be a little gorier.
The MPA rating is also as good of confirmation as any that the film has officially wrapped postproduction work. “Gladiator II” had originally completed production in January 2024; additional photography was called for in June 2024. So now we’ll have to wait more than three months before we get to see Scott’s sequel, on November 22.
Set 20 years after the first one, Paul Mescal plays a nobleman who becomes a Roman gladiator, his battles include facing off against a rhino, sharks and man-eating monkeys. The monkey gladiator scene has been described as “gory” and “absolutely insane” with monkeys ripping off faces and bones.