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The first reactions to the year’s most-anticipated sequel have rolled in after its first ever screening.
On Friday (18 October), Gladiator 2 premiered in Los Angeles at a screening introduced by its lead star, Paul Mescal.
But is it better than the first film?
The screening, which was attended by journalists and awards voters, has shot Washington straight into the Oscars race, with some reactions, including Offscreen Central’s @JillianChili claiming supporting star Washington could be a shoo-in for his third Academy Award.
Drew Taylor of The Wrap said that “Gladiator II is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral,” adding: “Everything about it just works.”
Taylor compared the sequel to Top Gun: Maverick in how the film is able to “conjure the past while adding something new”
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Meanwhile, presenter Matt Ramos wrote: “Gladiator II isn’t just arguably the best film of the year, it’s one of the best of all-time. It’s one of those films that will reinvigorate your love for cinema. It defies expectations, the performances are outstanding (denzel just locked in another Oscar).”
Gladiator II will be released on 15 November.
