This makes me want to rewatch Gladiator. Haven't seen it in probably 15+ years.

If it's very good maybe it'll be an Oscar contender... we'll see

If ID4's sequel could pull $100M WITHOUT Smith (pre-Slap) I feel this can get there. Definitely in but I could see it do much, much more. The nostalgia and love for the original is just too strong and the same director is compelling enough for me. I wouldn't be shocked if we saw some type of flashbacks with de-aged Russell Crowe in there given how advanced the tech is getting too.

Paul who? You can't just replace Russell Crowe like that

Flop

Crowe was close to an unknown globally before Gladiator really (bar here in Oz where he was now at least since Romper Stomper in 92). The IP will help this one.

Great point. There really wasn't any star power when the first movie came out. It opened solidly but legged out for much of the summer. Crowe became a star but the director and concept were the initial star here.

Another thing in Gladiator 2's favor is that it will be Ridley Scott's follow up to a 2023 team up with Joaquin on a Napoleon doc. If that reunion resonates (expect it will, he seems like he could do a very good Napoleon), going to bring lots of buzz to Gladiator 2 as a big historical spectacle.

Oh I forgot about Napoleon coming out this year. That will be a perfect lead-in!

I think Ridley’s in a great spot right now coming off Last Duel and Gucci - as both were good films IMO

Mescal wouldn't be replacing Crowe anyway. He will be playing Lucius, the boy from the first film.

Though I disagree with the claim that because the first didn't rely on starpower this sequel hasn't lost anything by not starring Crowe. It definitely has lost a big part of it because while Crowe wasn't what sparked the first's success he basically IS the film in everybody's mind now. To not have him leading will hurt it. He IS Gladiator. It's so iconic and that status is intertwined with Crowe. This could flop easily if not handled right, that's why I think a sequel to Gladiator is too much of a risk. It should be left alone.

We have to look at the genre this is in. Sword and sandal movies flop left and right in 2023. The Gladiator brand name will mean very little if the cast is changed. Will just look like a lamé ripoff

I'd say 300 2 is a better comparison, though that film did have a decently well known cast and shamefully used Butler in the marketing.

I liked the original script better when Crowe was attached, where it was about Gladiator fights in the afterlife. Not it's just a fake historical epic.

Also, Crowe was on the cusp of blowing up with staring in 2 best picture and one best actor nominee (LA Confidential and the Insider)

Depends on whether Ridley delivers quality wise. I'd bet on box office fail.

Denzel has joined the cast. Reunited with Ridley for the first time since American Gangster.

Barry Keoghan has also joined as his follow up to his Oscar nominated supporting role in The Banshees of Inisherin.

This is DEFINITELY doing $100M+. Denzel's fanbase is incredibly devoted and he's got a great box office track record overall for his non-indie artsy movies. For interest's sake, I had to go back to 1998 to find a movie of Denzel's that didn't come close or surpass the film's budget.

Jan 29, 2021 The Little Things $15,342,746 *Covid lowered grosses so not including.
Jul 20, 2018 The Equalizer 2 $102,084,362
Nov 17, 2017 Roman J. Israel, Esq. $11,962,712 *Awards movie with $13M budget
Dec 16, 2016 Fences $57,682,904 *Awards movie with $24M budget
Sep 23, 2016 The Magnificent Seven $93,432,655
Sep 26, 2014 The Equalizer $101,530,738
Aug 2, 2013 2 Guns $75,612,460
Nov 2, 2012 Flight $93,772,375
Feb 10, 2012 Safe House $126,181,630
Nov 12, 2010 Unstoppable $81,562,942
Jan 15, 2010 The Book of Eli $94,835,059
Jun 12, 2009 The Taking of Pelham 123 $65,452,312
Dec 25, 2007 The Great Debaters $30,226,144 *Awards movie with $15M budget
Nov 2, 2007 American Gangster $130,164,645
Nov 22, 2006 Déjà Vu $64,038,616
Mar 24, 2006 Inside Man $88,634,237
Jul 30, 2004 The Manchurian Candidate $65,948,711
Apr 23, 2004 Man on Fire $77,906,816
Oct 3, 2003 Out of Time $41,083,108
Dec 19, 2002 Antwone Fisher $21,078,145 *Awards movie with $13M budget
Feb 15, 2002 John Q. $71,026,631
Oct 5, 2001 Training Day $76,261,036
Sep 29, 2000 Remember the Titans $115,719,751
Dec 29, 1999 The Hurricane $50,699,241 Awards movie with $50M budget
Nov 5, 1999 The Bone Collector $66,488,090
Nov 6, 1998 The Siege $40,934,175 $70M budget

WW? absolutely

Interesting. Denzel and Barry Keoghan. Hmm.

Ridley Scott's last film with Denzel, American Gangster which also happened to star an actor named...Russell Crowe!

Scott and Crowe also worked on Robin Hood, Body of Lies and A Good Year.

I have a hard time seeing Crowe not have some type of involvement (Ghost, dream, or flashback) with those other two there. A reunion especially for Crowe's marquee film is just too good a chance to pass up. The fans will also love seeing a glimpse of him here even if his character is no longer alive.

I'm intrigued with him in it. This feels very much out of left field for Denzel but here's hoping its a great story if he was willing to jump into a sequel to such a well received original missing its previous lead star.

Here's additional details from Deadline. Sounds very much like he's going to be the new villain perhaps after Phoenix? Sounds like a juicy role that could get him lots of awards buzz.