REVIEW: Gladiator II

By Frank Lipp | March 3, 2025

Photo Credit: Pixabay

It has been 24 years since the release of the film “Gladiator.” This historical drama captivated audiences with its astonishing fight scenes and memorable one-liners. It garnered millions at the box office and was the second highest-grossing movie from 2000. When “Gladiator 2” was announced, many fans and critics were skeptical on whether the second film would live up to the first. Many wondered what was the point of making a sequel to a film that didn’t need one. Fortunately for fans, there was information about “Gladiator II” that gave some old-school fans confidence about the film. 

“Gladiator II” is directed by Ridley Scott, who directed the first “Gladiator,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Robin Hood,” and the “Alien” franchise. In addition, “Gladiator II” included a stellar cast that included Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal. 

The film follows a young Lucius Aurelius, son of Maximus Decimus Meridius, from the first film played by Paul Mescal. Lucius is captured during a spectacular Navy Sea Battle and is taken as a prisoner. Lucius and the other slaves are taken to fight against baboons. Lucius kills a baboon and impresses Macrinus played by the legendary Denzel Washington. 

During a Gladiator arena battle Lucilla who is played by Connor Nielsen, realizes that Lucius is her son. Lucilla tries to reunite with Lucius but he’s angry that he was sent away. Lucius also learns that he’s the son of Maximus Decimus Meridius. The armor that Maximus had is a nice throwback to old-school fans of the first movie. 

Meanwhile, Lucilla is forming a plot with General Acacius and Senator Thraex against the emperors of Rome. But this plot against Emperors Geta and Caracalla doesn’t go as planned. Senator Thraex is in debt to Macrinus. Acacius stands with Lucius which results in him being executed by the Praetorian Guard. This final action by Acacius shows that his true loyalty stood with Rome and against tyranny. Lucius then leads a heroic revolt by slaves and saves his mother from execution, but she’s killed by an arrow from Macrinus. In a final suspenseful scene, Acacius' legions and the Praetorian guard meet ready for battle. Lucius and Macrinus have a duel and Macrinus is killed. Lucius, his legion and the Praetorian guard as one for Rome. 

The characters in this movie aren’t historically accurate. But there are real-life comparisons to be made and might’ve inspired “Gladiator II.” The emperor Caracalla can be compared to the real-life emperor Caligula, who was known for his insanity and cruelty. In the film, there is a scene of a naval battle in the Colosseum. These really did happen and are known as Naumachia. All the uniforms and costumes for the film are well done. 

The plot, acting and action scenes of “Gladiator II” give the first movie a run for its money. The plot revolves around Lucius’s character development from being captured as a slave to leading a revolt and uniting Rome. Pedro Pascal shined as General Acacius, as Denzel Washington played Macrinus. The film is filled with great action scenes from the beginning to the end. 

There are some characters that died too soon; Lucius’s lover dies at the beginning, and we don’t know much about her except that she was a cunning warrior. Giving her more screen time could’ve shown us more about Lucius’s personality and his character. General Acacius’s death was noble, but keeping his character alive would probably interfere in the grand finale duel between Macrinus and Lucius. Acacius was already on Lucius’s side, so it makes sense to kill him off. The death of Connie Neilson’s character, Lucilla, doesn’t seem to have a major effect on Lucius. Knowing that your mother died would presumably have taken a toll on Lucius, but it did not appear to have that effect in the film. We know that Lucius resents his mother for sending him away at a young age, which could explain his lack of emotional ties with her. 

The film features brilliant acting and fight sequences. The first battle of the Romans invading a North African city was spectacular, as were the various gladiator fight scenes. And of course, we can’t forget about the final one-on-one duel between Macrinus and Lucius. However, having the two Roman armies facing off against one another would’ve been fun to watch. 

There are some aspects of the movie that were lacking. Romance isn’t seen in the film, but it would’ve added positive aspects to it. Hypothetically, Lucius’s lover could’ve survived, and she could’ve been captured. Then Lucius could rescue her and be the stereotypical knight in shining armor. But instead, the film seemed to be based on the famous “Gladiator II” quote, “Strength and honor.” In other words, this film is an action flick to its core.   

Overall, “Gladiator II” is a great film, and this can be proved by a 71 percent ranking on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, the second can’t hold up against the first “Gladiator” with Russel Crowe. “Gladiator II” is good, but doesn’t compare to other second movies like in the “Star Wars,” “The Godfather” or “The Dark Knight” series. Nonetheless, “Gladiator II” grossed $454 million at the Box Office, which is more than the first Gladiator did at its release.

This suggests a very real possibility of “Gladiator III.” If there would be a third installment, the “Gladiator” franchise could rival “The Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Back to the Future” or “Harry Potter” franchises.