Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel, Gladiator II, has sparked varied reactions from critics, with some praising its thrilling elements while others feel it falls short of its Oscar-winning predecessor. The Guardian hailed the film as a ‘gobsmacking reboot,’ particularly commending Paul Mescal’s performance as Lucius, while The Telegraph described it as ‘relentlessly entertaining’ but lacking the original’s strength. Reviews also highlight Ridley Scott’s charm amidst the film’s ambitious scope. Overall, while Mescal shines, many agree the sequel may not leave a lasting impact like the classic.