Do We Need Gladiator 2?

Written by Lewis Knight

Russell Crowe as Maximus in Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000).

“Wow,” was my reaction when watching this film. The minute you watch this film, it does a good job of engaging you, the audience with the atmosphere of the world this film is set in. Russell Crowe as Maximus was certainly a standout performance in my opinion and Joaquin Phoenix's as Commodus impressed me as well.

When watching this film it got me thinking, does this film need a second film? When looking at the cast for the next upcoming film, you have these big-name actors - the first name which comes into mind are Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal followed by other actors such as Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn and more; however, just because there are big-name actors, it does not guarantee a great film. 

From right: Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington in Gladiator 2 (2024).

Warning: Spoilers ahead 

Before getting into the spoilers ahead, check out my review of this film: https://lewisknight123.wixsite.com/lewistalkingfilm-1/post/gladiator 

What did the first film justice was the character arc of Maximus. He was seen as a respected guy by his emperor and was in line to be the 'Protector of Rome' where he was to rule as regent until Commodus came of age. However, he was betrayed and sold into slavery by Commodus. Needless to say, Maximus wanted revenge. The story, in the beginning, follows a well-respected General of the Roman armies who wishes to retire to be with his family and live a simple life in the home he built.

Maximus instead was thrust into a journey of pain, sorrow and revenge. The point I'd like to make is what’s the purpose of creating another film when the ending is so definitive and clear? Does it not cheapen his death?

The plot of the second film, however, will focus on Lucius, who was still a young child at the time of the first film. I guess it’s smart for them to go in this direction, but looking at it from a realistic point of view, this option is the only way for them to make a sequel since the two main characters are not there.

When I think of the film Gladiator, the first thing which screams to my mind is Crowe as Maximus and Phoenix as Commodus - these two are the faces of the film. To put a similar perspective, take the Spiderman films for example, I understand that they are two completely different films and genres, but when I think of this film, the first actor I think of is Tobey Maguire. Some might say that Andrew Garfield is the face; however, for me, Maguire was the one who had that perfect balance and he’s my personal favourite as I grew up watching the first segment to the fourth segment of Spiderman whilst growing up - but maybe I’ll talk about it in a future article.

Back to Gladiator, the ending of the film being as tragic and definitive as it is, shows the timely almost Shakespearean tragedy of Maximus ending his journey in the mortal realm and going to be with his family but still being loyal to his Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus's father. That's not the type of film you franchise, or make sequels out of. But here we are.

In terms of the financial aspect of it, the film made $503.2 million as stated on Collider, that could be another reason why they wanted to make a second film, and they know that they’ll have the audience no matter what.

This also begs the question: "Could this be another example of using a famous film from the past, resurrecting things and using it as a way to make more money?"

I mean, if they pull it off and the film looks good, then hats off to them.

Well, at the end of the day, I’ll still watch the second film no matter what; however, will the quality of the second film be like the second film? Let’s wait and see!

Lewis Knight is an aspiring photographer and filmmaker who writes his thoughts from the world of film. Join him as he explains and discusses film reviews, opinions and a diverse range of topics in the world of film and anime.

"The articles I write will give everyone a sneak peek of what I’m like as a person."