Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal discuss their roles in the films "Wicked" and "Gladiator 2," respectively, highlighting their experiences with singing, acting, and the challenges of their press tours. Both films, released on the same day, have been successful, with "Wicked" leading the box office. Grande shares her journey to landing the role of Glinda, while Mescal talks about his casting as Lucius in "Gladiator 2." The actors express mutual admiration and reflect on the thematic similarities between their films.
Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" blends historical facts with creative liberties, featuring real Roman figures like Geta, Caracalla, and Macrinus, but with significant embellishments. While the film portrays some historical events, such as Caracalla's fratricide and Macrinus' rise to power, it also introduces fictional elements and anachronisms, like Denzel Washington's character reading a newspaper. The movie serves as a "what if" scenario, imagining alternate historical outcomes, and continues Scott's trend of prioritizing storytelling over strict historical accuracy.
In Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II," Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy and treacherous character who becomes the film's main villain. Set 16 years after the original, the story follows Lucius, whose life is upended by Roman soldiers. Macrinus, a former gladiator turned powerful trader, buys Lucius, and his true sinister nature is gradually revealed. Washington's performance, enhanced by elaborate costumes and a unique musical motif, has garnered Oscar buzz. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown between Macrinus and Lucius, highlighting Macrinus' ambition and ultimate downfall.
The review of 'Gladiator 2' highlights several issues with the film's plot and structure, including confusing character identities and poorly executed surprises. While Denzel Washington's performance is praised, the film struggles with predictable storylines and a lack of coherence, failing to live up to the original 'Gladiator.'
Hollywood is gearing up for a big box office weekend with the simultaneous release of "Gladiator 2" and "Wicked," dubbed "Glick-ed" weekend. This strategy aims to replicate the success of the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon, where two major but different films boosted each other's success. While expectations are high, with potential earnings of $165 million, fans are advised not to sing along during "Wicked" screenings, as a singalong version is planned for later. Despite Russell Crowe's absence, "Gladiator 2" is still expected to perform well.
The Hollywood premiere of 'Gladiator 2' at TCL Chinese Theatre was a star-studded event featuring Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and director Ridley Scott. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Lewis Hamilton, and 'Selling Sunset' stars Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan graced the red carpet, adding glamour and style to the occasion. The sequel to Ridley Scott's 2000 blockbuster is set to hit theaters on November 22, with high expectations for box office success.
"Gladiator II" has made a strong international box office debut, earning $87 million across 63 markets, marking the biggest R-rated opening weekend for Paramount Pictures and the best overseas debut for director Ridley Scott. The film, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, performed best in the UK, France, and Spain. With a $250 million budget, the sequel needs significant global success to be profitable, especially as it prepares for its North American release on November 22.
Denzel Washington revealed that a scene where he kissed a man was cut from "Gladiator 2," suggesting the filmmakers weren't ready for such representation. Washington plays Macrinus, a Roman powerbroker, in the Ridley Scott-directed sequel. Despite the cut, Washington's performance is generating Oscar buzz. He expressed his desire to work with top directors like Scott as he nears retirement, emphasizing the importance of inspiration in his career choices.
King Charles attended the premiere of 'Gladiator 2,' where he was photographed with actor Pedro Pascal. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth will miss upcoming Remembrance events due to a seasonal chest infection, but she plans to resume public duties soon. 'Gladiator 2' features a star-studded cast including Pascal, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington.
The first footage of "Gladiator II" was unveiled at CinemaCon, featuring Paul Mescal battling in a Roman arena, with Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal also starring. Other announcements included a "Transformers" prequel, "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," "Smile 2," and upcoming projects such as a "Star Trek" origin adventure, "The Running Man" directed by Edgar Wright, a "Naked Gun" reboot, a G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover, and new musicals from Kendrick Lamar and the creators of "South Park."
At CinemaCon, theater owners were treated to the first footage of Ridley Scott's upcoming film, Gladiator 2, with star Paul Mescal calling it a standout moment in his life. The footage revealed Mescal as a gladiator engaging in battles with murderous monkeys and a soldier on a rhinoceros, as well as an epic ship battle in a water-filled Colosseum. The sequel, set for release on Nov. 22, delves into anti-war politics and features Pedro Pascal as a military figure and Denzel Washington guiding Mescal to inspire revolution. With high anticipation and a large budget, Gladiator 2 marks a risky but eagerly awaited venture for Paramount and Scott.
Ridley Scott introduced the first footage of Gladiator 2 at CinemaCon, revealing Paul Mescal as a gladiator in the upcoming sequel to the 2000 film. The footage showcased intense action sequences, including fights with murderous monkeys and a soldier on a rhinoceros, as well as an epic ship battle in a water-filled Colosseum. The film, set for release on Nov. 22, promises emotion and spectacle, with anti-war themes and a focus on inspiring revolution. Despite the risk involved, Paramount is banking on Scott's track record and high expectations for the sequel.
At CinemaCon 2024, a sneak peek of "Gladiator 2" revealed spectacular unfinished footage featuring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and a packed cast in elaborate games, fights, and wild animal battles, including sharks and rhinos. The epic, sprawling, and insane sequel, set 20-30 years after the original film, promises high-end historical fiction and a massive budget of over $300 million, with a release date set for November 22, 2024.
Paul Mescal leads the cast of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2," set 20 years after the original film, alongside Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen. The unfinished footage screened at CinemaCon showcased Mescal as Lucius, battling in the Colosseum, with Quinn as the new Caesar and Washington in a mysterious role. The film is set in 200 B.C.E. and is expected to release on November 22, paying homage to the original while allowing Mescal to make the role his own.
The budget for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" sequel has reportedly surged to nearly $310 million, almost double its initial estimate, with production costs expected to be around $250 million. Despite setbacks including set accidents and strikes, studio executives are pleased with the footage and post-production progress. The film features Paul Mescal in the lead role, with a star-studded cast including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. Set in the early 3rd century AD, the movie is set for release on November 22nd.
