‘Gladiator II’ reactions declare Ridley Scott’s sequel to be ‘bad ass,’ ‘a true epic’ and an all-caps ‘MASTERPIECE’

“Gladiator II” screened for the first time on Friday, October 18 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, and based on early reactions on social media from film critics and influencers, it is “a big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle,” a “true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years,” and an all-caps “MASTERPIECE.”

Though official reviews are embargoed until a later date, the early reactions highlighted Scott’s direction, Mescal, Pascal, and Washington’s performances, and the overall production values of the sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor.

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Following a screening of the 148-minute sequel, cast members Paul Mescal (as Lucius Verus), Connie Nielsen (as Lucilla), Denzel Washington (as Macrinus), and Fred Hechinger (as Emperor Caracalla) engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Jacqueline Coley, awards editor of Rotten Tomatoes. Washington praised Scott’s direction, saying his elaborate world-building made it easy for him to get into character. “He built Rome, so all we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking,” said Washington. “It was make believe, it was play, it was fun. Just put the dress on and go. That’s the way I looked at it. I’m like, I’m putting this dress on, and these rings, and I’m going crazy!” Other notable attendees at the screening and post-panel reception included Screen Actors Guild members Patrick Stewart, John David Washington, Kurt Russell, Saoirse Ronan, and Debbie Allen.

“Gladiator II,” which opens in theaters on November 22, is the sequel to the 2000 epic that was also directed by Scott. The original “Gladiator” won five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design. Scott was not credited as a producer of that first film, so he didn’t take home an Oscar of his own (in fact, he’s never won). But now for “Gladiator II,” which tells the story of Mescal’s Lucius becoming a gladiator amid personal family drama, the filmmaker is eligible for Best Picture and for Best Director.

SEE‘Gladiator II’ trailer: Paul Mescal doesn’t fight for power [Watch]

Here are just some of the “Gladiator II” reactions that Paramount Pictures encouraged attendees to post on social media following the event:

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