Gladiator 2 Test Screening Reaction Is The Best News Yet
With Gladiator 2 set to release this November, it is already just a few short months until the sequel to the Best Picture winning original will be here. And yet there is still not much for the public to go on about the movie, with the trailer not even set to release until late July. However, the movie is in a state where test screenings of it have begun showing so final edits can be made, and reception to what Ridley Scott has done has been extremely positive.
A Simple But Effective Revenge Story
Gladiator 2’s most recent test screening happened in Las Vegas with a version of the film that is over two and a half hours long. The sequel is said to be fairly similar to the original Gladiator and has been called a pretty simple revenge story. However, it was made clear that that is in no way a bad thing, and that Ridley Scott has created something very special with this movie.
Old Themes With A New Twist
Paul Mescal stars as the returning character of Lucius Verus who we saw in the original film. Much like the first film, Verus is seeking revenge after his wife is murdered and goes to the colosseum to gain access to the person behind the murder, a former slave played by Denzel Washington. It sounds as if Gladiator 2 is going to reprise many of the themes and story beats of the original, but with some fresh twists.
Other aspects of Gladiator 2 that test audiences praised include the now highly anticipated baboon scene. Few details were publicly known about this other than the intriguing aspect of the baboons being very dangerous. Apparently, these scenes featuring the animals in the movie are quite violent and involve the baboons ripping off several faces. Evidently a rhino also makes an appearance at some point.
A Big-Budget Blockbuster
Executives at Paramount studios were supposedly nervous when production costs for Gladiator 2 increased from $165 million up to $310 million. However, since hearing the feedback the movie has been getting, it has apparently assuaged any concerns about the movie’s capability to earn back its costs. Early reports are even already calling the film Oscar-worthy.
High Expectations All Around
While it may seem like a no-brainer that a sequel to a Best Picture winner would be successful, Ridley Scott has admittedly struggled at times to capitalize on his past success stories. The Alien franchise would likely have most fans admitting it has had more misses than hits at this point. However, that franchise is also looking to bounce back strong with this August’s Alien: Romulus, which Ridley Scott is producing. Like Gladiator 2, expectations are also high for that movie.
Universal Praise From Test Screenings
Based on all of the feedback so far for Gladiator 2, it seems to be getting universally praised. The costumes, effects, and set locations were all also details that attendees positively remarked on. While the film obviously will not have former star Russell Crowe returning, it does have new Hollywood darling Pedro Pascal lending the film some star power. The performances for the movie were also called beautiful, emotional, and with potential for Oscar nominations.
Gladiator 2 will be releasing in theaters on November 22, 2024.
Source: World of Reel
