“Gladiator II” is already considered the best film of the year, but for viewers, there is only one real star in this epic film

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The highly anticipated “Gladiator II” has finally made its mark, with early audience reactions hailing it as a cinematic triumph and a potential awards season contender. Directed by Ridley Scott, this sequel to the iconic “Gladiator” is hailed for its fine continuation of the legacy of the original film.

After a private screening in Los Angeles, where lead actor Paul Mescal introduced the film, critics praised the film for its epic storytelling, stunning visuals and powerful performances. Mescal, playing Lucius, Lucilla’s son, was joined by a strong cast, including Pedro Pascal and Connie Neilsen. But for many viewers, one performance really stood out.

Denzel Washington steals the show in ‘Gladiator II’

Denzel Washington in
Denzel Washington in “Gladiator 2” (Paramount Pictures/@cubascott)

In a film filled with big names and top-notch performances, Denzel Washington’s role struck a chord with audiences. He’s not the protagonist, but critics are already calling his performance unforgettable and predicting it could win him an Oscar. Washington brings both intensity and depth to the story, adding layers to each scene in which he appears. Many who attended the first screening say he is the heart of the film and his presence elevates the entire experience. With fans and critics singing his praises, it looks like Washington might just be the biggest highlight of “Gladiator II.” If the buzz is to be believed, he’s on track to add another memorable role to his career, perhaps even with another Oscar under his belt.

Fans praise Denzel Washington for his ‘Oscar-worthy’ performance in ‘Gladiator II’

An extract from
A photo from “Gladiator 2” (Paramount Pictures/@cubascott)

Many fans took to X to praise the film for its high-octane action sequences and standout performances from the actors, especially Denzel Washington. One fan shared: “Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody, nasty action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original. The film features beautiful sets and plenty of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines Denzel Washington distorts the scenery a bit here and it looks like he’s having the time of his life here.


Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody, nasty action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original. The film features beautiful settings and many epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington devours the landscape… pic.twitter.com/vkAt3kcfd5

— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) October 19, 2024


One fan wrote: “GLADIATOR II is a true epic and the best from Ridley Scott in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his independent courage, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and every costume without ever overplaying.” while another said: “There’s a lot to like about the scale of #GladiatorII. It delivers a great, violent spectacle, commenting on these acts along the way. Like the first, it’s stronger as audience-pleasing blockbuster as a story that really needs to be taken seriously. That said, Denzel is coming for this Oscar.”


GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his independent courage, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overacting. #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/eKY2UqDNPi

— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) October 19, 2024



Lots to enjoy on the scale of #GladiatorII. He offers a great violent spectacle, commenting on these acts in passing. Like the first, it’s stronger as a crowd-pleasing blockbuster than as a story that really needs to be taken seriously. That said, Denzel will come for this Oscar. pic.twitter.com/dYYblqyijw

– PAARONNormal activity Neuwirth 👻 (@AaronsPS4) October 19, 2024


“Gladiator II is an action juggernaut that delivers one of Ridley Scott’s best films. Somehow, on this grand scale, Paul Mescal delivers a very solid performance. Denzel Washington steals every scene in which it is. It’s a merciless and bloody spectacle, and I loved it,” one viewer wrote while another commented: “GLADIATOR II was huge and Denzel Washington was a bad guy! so entertaining. The baboons, sharks, rhinos were really crazy and merciless! Scott did it again.”


#GladiatorII is an action juggernaut that delivers one of Ridley Scott’s best films. Somehow, on this grand scale, Paul Mescal delivers a very solid performance. Denzel Washington steals every scene he’s in. It’s a merciless and bloody spectacle, and I loved it. pic.twitter.com/J0OxtwRwHu

– Ricky Vàlero (@rickyvalero_) October 24, 2024



GLADIATOR II was huge! Paul Mescal was charismatic and Denzel Washington was such an entertaining villain. The arena games were imaginatively brutal! Baboons, sharks, rhinos 😮 they were really crazy! Epic & merciless. Ridley Scott has done it again. #GladiadorII #Gladiator2 pic.twitter.com/cnxoJ5tO4M

– Rama Screen (@RamasScreen) October 19, 2024


One fan shared: “#GladiatorII is the perfect continuation of the original and an epic story in its own right. Fantastic casting, but Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal are transcendent! Countless intense, action-drenched fight sequences bloody! @GladiatorMovie demands to be seen on the big screen!”


#GladiatorII is the perfect continuation of the original and an epic story in its own right. A fantastic cast, but Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal are transcendent! Countless intense, blood-soaked battle sequences! @GladiatorMovie demands to be seen on the big screen! pic.twitter.com/LH3Z7clqrH

— Caitlin Tyrrell (@caitlin_tyrrell) October 19, 2024


An enthusiastic fan shared: “GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph. Ridley Scott places you in the action of an arena centered on legacy and honor, amping up the blood, battles and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn are certified movie stars.”


GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott placing you in the action of an arena centered on legacy and honor, cranking up the blood, battles and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn are certified movie stars. pic.twitter.com/0oy0jjrRUH

– Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) October 19, 2024


Trailer for “Gladiator II”



“Gladiator II” hits the big screen on Friday, November 15

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