Fans have waited 24 years for a sequel to ‘Gladiator’, but ‘Gladiator II’ struggles to capture the original’s charm. Director Ridley Scott’s return features Paul Mescal as Lucius, the illegitimate son of Maximus, who finds himself enslaved in a visually extravagant but disconnected Roman arena. Critics have pointed out the overreliance on CGI and the lack of historical credibility, contrasting sharply with the grounded nature of the original film. While Denzel Washington shines in a supporting role, the sequel is perceived as more spectacle than substance, set to release on November 14, 2024.