Film critics have called Gladiator II the ‘best movie of the year’ and a ‘true epic’ as they hailed Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington’s performances. 

With Russell Crowe’s legendary Maximus long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Mescal) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal).

And ahead of its release date, the first reviews for the film have come in from critics who took to social media to share their thoughts.

The Normal People star was applauded for his ‘shining’ performance, as critics said he was ‘a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit’.

Meanwhile Denzel, who plays arms dealer and potential villain Macrinus, was hailed a ‘scene stealer’ for his impressive portrayal.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, critics who had attended a preview of the film before its official release shared their first reviews. 

Entertainment writer Shanelle Genai said: ‘No like I dont think yall understand.. #GladiatorII might actually be the best movie of the year to me & Im so sorry Ive watched a lot movies this year I dont mean to be hyperbolic but I cannot overstate HOW GOOD this film is RUN, DONT WALK to the theater on November 22!’

Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: ‘Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. 

‘The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here. 

He added: ‘It should also be noted that Joseph Quinn continues to impress here. Quinn takes command of the screen in every scene in which he appears. I do wish there was more of him as well as Pedro Pascal who is also great but only has like 15-20 minutes of screen time.’

Meanwhile producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson said: ‘#GladiatorII serves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery. 

‘Dovetailing stylishly with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.’

AwardsWatch founder Erik Anderson added: ‘GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overplaying.’

‘Ridley Scott returns to the Colesseum to prove to the world that HE’S. STILL. GOT. IT,’ FilmSpeak host Griffin Schiller added. 

‘Absolutely BUZZING after #GladiatorII! An EPIC shakespearean tale of hope, futility & power w/in a crumbling system. Denzel FEASTS in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance. What a picture!’

Gizmodo senior reporter Germain Lussier said: ‘#GladiatorII doesn’t quite rise to the greatness of the original but it’s a damn fine sequel with big stakes, a solid story, & excellent performances. I enjoyed it thoroughly, most probably will too, but it’s just slightly lacking emotionally. Everything is very easy & surface.’

Awards Focus deputy awards editor Matthew Koss wrote: ‘#Gladiator2 is what happens when Ridley Scott lets loose and finds heart in the action. A total spectacle with a pulsating pace. Can’t wait to see this one again.’

‘#GladiatorII lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but it’s overflowing with memorable action and it’s got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances,’ said Next Best Picture critic Will Mavity.

Offscreen Central founder Kenzie Vanunu added: ‘Epic doesn’t begin to describe #GladiatorII. this is the grandest of filmmaking by ridley scott. the theatrics, the blood !!!, and incredible performances make this one of the best films of the year. so fucking incredible.’

Finally, The Wrap senior writer Drew Taylor said: ‘Rest easy, Romans. #Gladiator2 is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works. Big #Maverick vibes in its ability to conjure the past while adding something new. Bold, muscular filmmaking from a legendary talent.’

The newest trailer for the film saw Paul’s Lucius Verus seek vengeance against Rome in a blood-soaked battle with his captor general Marcus Acacius.

Revenge-seeking Lucius is mentored as a Gladiator by Macrinus (Denzel) – a former slave who plots to control Rome. The pair use one another to achieve their goals: Macrinus’s invasion of Rome and Lucius slaying the general. 

‘Whose head can I give you to satisfy your fury?’ Macrinus asks Lucius, to which the Gladiator replies: ‘The general will do. Rome has taken everything from me but I will have my vengeance.’

A former heir to the Roman empire, Lucius lives with his wife and child in a coastal town in Numidia. He hasn’t been in touch with his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) in 15 years. 

But he is imprisoned by Marcus , a feared general who honed his fighting skills under the tutelage of Maximus, and his marauding army of troops. 

Played by a then 12-year old Spencer Treat Clark in Scott’s original film, Lucius is now an adult and intent on forcing his way out of the notorious fighting pits, at all costs. 

Along the way he encounters and befriends Denzel Washington’s Macrinus, a power broker who keeps a stable of gladiators and sees battle-hungry Lucius as a promising investment.