It’s almost cliché to say a sequel can never live up to or eclipse the original, but Gladiator II misses by a mile, like it wasn’t even aiming for it.
The film starts strong with an intense and gripping battle sequence, giving hope that it might honor the legacy of its predecessor. But soon after, it veers sideways into mediocrity.
One of the most glaring missteps is the underutilization of Pedro Pascal. Billed as a co-lead alongside Paul Mescal, Pascal shines in his limited screen time, delivering a captivating performance in the early scenes and a glorious, albeit brief, death. But that’s all there is — no deeper exploration of his character, no meaningful arc. Considering how the film was marketed as a story about both Mescal and Pascal, his lack of presence is a major disappointment.
Then there’s the script, which lacks the poetic weight of the original. Where Gladiator was elevated by its artful dialogue (with no actual script), Gladiator II settles for cheesy lines that feel more suited to a generic Hollywood blockbuster. The scoring suffers a similar fate, abandoning the haunting grandeur of the original in favor of something that feels overly polished. It’s hard to take the film seriously when its music undercuts the supposed gravity of its scenes.
The story itself descends into absurdity. Characters are killed off left and right in ways that feel more melodramatic than meaningful. The climactic tumble of Lucius and Macrinus in the outskirts of Rome, with both army camps inexplicably watching in stunned silence, is emblematic of the film’s tonal confusion. The original Gladiator had a solemnity and quiet force that commanded respect without resorting to sensationalism. In contrast, this sequel seems desperate to prove itself, relying on shock value and soap-opera theatrics.
That said, there’s a lingering question: was the absurdity intentional? The arena scene where the Praetorian Guard begins attacking the audience feels like a surreal commentary on modern chaos, a reflection of the unpredictability and violence of life today. It’s one of the few moments that feels like it has something to say — but it’s not enough to save the overall narrative.
On the positive side, Paul Mescal delivers an excellent performance, showcasing a maturity and depth that firmly establishes him beyond his Normal People fame. Denzel Washington also gives a commanding presence, adding gravitas to an otherwise uneven script.
Ultimately, Gladiator II feels like a missed opportunity. It lacks the heart, depth, and solemn power of its predecessor, instead opting for spectacle and melodrama. While there are glimmers of greatness, they’re overshadowed by a film that struggles to find its footing. A sequel to Gladiator deserved to be more than this.
