Scott's Epic Sequel Dominates Streaming Charts Worldwide
The Roman arena returns with vengeance as Paul Mescal's gladiator saga conquers Paramount+ globally, despite Russell Crowe's harsh criticism of the follow-up to his Oscar-winning original.
The Roman Colosseum roars again on streaming platforms. Scott's 2024 sequel has claimed the ninth spot among Paramount+'s most-watched films globally, proving that audiences still crave blood, sand, and imperial drama.
Paul Mescal steps into the arena as Lucius, son of the legendary Maximus from the original film. After years in exile following his father's death, Lucius finds himself enslaved and forced into gladiatorial combat. His rage against Rome burns bright as politician Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington, pulls strings from the shadows.
Box Office Triumph Meets Mixed Reviews
The sequel gathered $462 mn worldwide during its theatrical run. Critics awarded it a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences pushed the score to 81%. Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Peter Mensah round out the cast.
The official plot summary explains: "Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people."
Original Star Voices Sharp Criticism
Russell Crowe didn't hold back his disappointment with the sequel. The Australian actor expressed frustration with how the new film handled the franchise's legacy.
"I think the recent sequel that, you know, we don't have to name out loud, is a really unfortunate example of even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made the first one special," Crowe said recently.
He revealed that studio executives misunderstood the original's appeal from the beginning. "The amount of times they suggested sex scenes and stuff like that for Maximus. It's like you're taking away his power. So you're saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was f*cking this other girl? What are you talking about? It's crazy."