Gladiator II: a wavering thumbs up for a rehashed sequel that can’t escape the ghost of Russell Crowe

By Daniel O'Brien, Lecturer, Department of Literature Film and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

“I will not be your instrument in this life or the next,” utters Paul Mescal’s Lucius halfway through Ridley Scott’s sequel to his 2000 blockbuster, Gladiator. These words are far from an isolated nod to iconic moments in that original film, but one of a litany of rehashed moments which are often done bigger – but not necessarily better.

As expected, there is bloody action from the outset, as well as killer baboons, rhino-riding…

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