Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone explains why he didn't like it Gladiator 2. Since its launch, Gladiator 2Reviews for The Game provoked a mixed response from critics, while general audiences received the long-awaited sequel more favorably. The film currently has a 71% Tomatometer score and 82% Popcornmeter score. With Gladiator 2 Being revealed as Christopher Nolan's favorite film of 2024, one of Hollywood's most prominent filmmakers is a fan of the Ridley Scott-directed film.
When talking about the PBD podcast, Stone has made it clear that he does not share Nolan's enthusiasm for Gladiator 2. Stone acknowledged that the film was well made on a technical level and fun to watch. However, he found it difficult to invest in the characters and story, describing the sequel as “empty calories” and “a commercial product” which paled in comparison to the original Gladiator film. Check out Stone's comments below:
It's certainly watchable. It's a good, well-made film by Ridley, but I didn't care about the people. I wasn't invested. The first was a classic. The second is empty calories, like a commercial product.
What this means for Gladiator 2
Not as universally loved as its predecessor
The juxtaposition between Stone and Nolan's criticisms reflects the divided critical response to Gladiator 2. Scott's ability to direct a highly entertaining and well-paced film is still praised, as are many of the film's technical achievements. However, the reception of the story and characters is not as positive as it was for Gladiator. Denzel Washington's Macrinus is the only character consistently praised in reviews of the sequel, with Washington's performance considered one of the best parts of the film.
In Nolan's review, he mentions that Gladiator 2 “it should be a remake and a sequel in one” a feat he thinks the film does well. Those Familiar story beats didn't work well for Stonehowever, that he couldn't find any reason to worry about Lucius and the rest of Gladiator 2characters. As a sequel made 24 years after the original film, Gladiator 2 had little choice but a sequel and a remake, especially since the original film wrapped up the story of its protagonist, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), but that doesn't change Stone's perspective on the new film.
It makes a valid point about the characters
While Stone “empty calories” and “commercial product” comments are a bit harsh, I agree with not investing too much in Gladiator 2 how was I Gladiator. The original film helped me become invested in Maximus, showing his relationships with Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) before the terrible injustices he faced. Gladiator 2 could have benefited from spending more time with Lucius and showing his life in Numidia before the Roman invasion. If Gladiator 3 happens, it may be easier to invest in Lucius now that his character is fully established.
Source: PBD