Almost 25 years after the release of "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe, the second part is now waiting. However, the marketing for the sequel raises questions.
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- With "Gladiator", director Ridley Scott has created a modern classic that is almost unbeatable in this genre.
- The US-American is back in the director's chair for the sequel, but the trailer for "Gladiator 2" does not bode well.
- Why is it accompanied by rap music? Why does Denzel Washington act as if he's still in "Training Day"? Many questions, few answers.
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the troops of the North, tribune of the Spanish legions, loyal servant of the true emperor Marcus Aurelius, father of a murdered son, husband of a murdered wife - and I will have my revenge, in this life or the next!"
A monologue with which Russell Crowe hit the nail on the head in "Gladiator" (2000).
A goosebump moment. A moment that was used in the trailer and even hit home in the movie. Watch the trailer for the first part again.
Now, 24 years after Crowe's legendary performance as Gladiator, the sequel is here. At the forefront are actors Paul Mescal ('All of Us Strangers') and Pedro Pascal ('The Last of Us').
We are told that the former is the nephew of the former Roman emperor Commodus (played at the time by Joaquin Phoenix). He is enslaved by Roman troops 15 years after the events of "Gladiator" and wants to prove himself as a fighter in the arena - just like his role model Maximus. He plans to oppose the reign of the new emperor.
That outlines the plot of the sequel and it's not a bad concept, let's be honest. Of course, the connection to the first part had to be made and this choice at least seems plausible.
Denzel is in the wrong movie
But what happened to the trailer? "Gladiator" had a clear structure, quick cuts and with one quote it was clear to everyone what this movie was about. Maximus wanted revenge for his son and his wife. The whole thing was accompanied by music by Hans Zimmer, war drums and generally menacing sounds.
The new trailer? Rap music. By Jay-Z. Excuse me? No other piece of film or television seems to clash more than rap and a gladiator fight in the Roman Colosseum. An absolutely horrendous decision by the marketing team for "Gladiator 2". There is also criticism that Denzel Washington behaves too much like his character in "Training Day" or "The Equalizer". He's literally in the wrong movie.
Paul Mescal, however, seems to unpack his entire repertoire. The young man is a talented actor and this leading role gives him the chance to swim with the big boys.
Whether the new trailer was simply a misstep will probably only become clear when "Gladiator 2" is released on November 14, 2024.
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