“Gladiator II” Review: Ridley Scott Returns to the Colosseum for Epic Sequel That's Even Bigger Than the Original

'Gladiator II,' starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, is in theaters now

It’s been nearly 25 years since legendary director Ridley Scott made sword-and-sandal epics popular again with his box office juggernaut Gladiator. That 2000 blockbuster boasted a muscular and commanding Russell Crowe as former Roman general Maximus, who exacted revenge in the Colosseum against those who’d enslaved him. It also won five Oscars, including Best Actor (Crowe) and Best Picture.

Crowe doesn’t return for this long-anticipated follow-up (his character died in the original), but his mythic character still looms large in Gladiator II, which stars a beefed-up Paul Mescal as Lucius, Maximus’ son with Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, making a welcome return).

Lucius’ life takes on a similar trajectory to his late father’s when he’s enslaved and forced into battle as a gladiator. 

Scott follows the sequel rulebook by adding more stars to the mix (of the newcomers, Denzel Washington is the scene-stealing highlight as Macrinus, a social climber who will stop at nothing to control Rome) and staging even bigger action sequences.

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In Gladiator, Maximus memorably fended off tigers in one thrilling clash. Scott ups the ante here, pitting more animals against the fighters (rhinos, baboons and, yes, sharks are thrown into the ring) and opening with an aquatic battle that ranks among the filmmaker’s most elaborate action sequences ever.

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Scott's vision of Rome, now ruled by sadistic twin-brother emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), is noticeably darker this time around too — there's an uneasiness that hangs in the air as characters jockey for power in the crumbling Roman Senate.

Though Gladiator II ultimately lacks the emotional gut punch of the original, you'll no doubt be entertained by the sheer spectacle Scott conjures.

Gladiator II is in theaters now.