At the ripe old age of 86, directorRidley Scottjust delivered his biggest box office opening in nearly a quarter-century. His latest epic,Gladiator II, debuted in second place domestically and continued to build on the momentum it generated in overseas marketslast week. The film hasalready passed an impressive global box office milestoneand is now playing in virtually every major market worldwide.Gladiator IIserves as a long-awaited sequel to Scott’s blockbuster original, which was released to critical and commercial success in 2000.
The new film starsPaul Mescalin the central role of Hanno, a young man who goes on a vengeful quest against the Romans responsible for murdering his loved ones.Gladiator IIgrossed around $55 million domesticallyin its debut weekend — the second-biggest of Scott’s career, behindHannibal’s $58 million debut in 2001 — and has now made around $165 million in overseas markets. This takes the film’scumulative global haul to a massive $221 million. The movie also opened this week with $3 million in China, whereVenom: The Last Dancerecently grossed almost $100 million. Some of the film’s biggest overseas markets are the United Kingdom ($23 million), France ($17 million), Mexico ($10 million), and Australia ($9 million).
Produced ona reported budget of $210 million— ina recent New York Times interview, Scott denied that costs had ballooned to over $300 million because of the strikes —Gladiator IIearned mixed-to-positive reviews. It currently holds a “fresh” 71% rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoesbut managed to earn only a so-so B CinemaScore from opening day crowds.In his review, Collider’sRoss Bonaimepraised the film’s action set pieces but described it as a “strange beast of a movie” that can’t escape from the shadow of its celebrated predecessor.
The Original ‘Gladiator’ Earned $34 Million in Its Domestic Debut
Released in 2000,the originalGladiatorearned over $460 million globally, and somewhat surprisingly, won the Best Picture Academy Award. It also earned starRussell Crowethe Best Actor honor. Crowe didn’t return for the sequel, although his co-starConnie Nielsendid. She plays a rather pivotal role in the movie, which also featuresPedro Pascal,Joseph Quinn,Fred Hechinger, and, in a memorable supporting performance,Denzel Washington.
You can watchGladiator IIin theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
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