Even the most celebrated directors aren’t immune to fan criticism. Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, at 87, has recently stirred debate after revealing that a third installment in the Gladiator series is underway.
The announcement comes following the release of Gladiator II in November 2024, leaving cinephiles divided on whether this saga should continue.
Gladiator 3 Officially in Motion
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Scott confirmed, “Gladiator is in process right now.”
While the director’s enthusiasm is clear, many fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns, arguing that the series should have ended with the first, or at most the second, movie.
On X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote, “Please stop, Ridley. Nobody’s asking for this.
Gladiator II was pretty mid and it was only worth watching for Denzel.”
Another added, “After watching Gladiator II, I can assuredly say that this is unnecessary,” while a third simply lamented, “Guys… there shouldn’t have even been a second one.”
Fans Split Between Criticism and Excitement
Despite the backlash, some viewers remain excited for the next chapter.
“Scott being almost 90 and having this kind of passion for making movies is absolutely riveting,” one fan commented.
Others praised Gladiator II, particularly highlighting Paul Mescal’s performance, and expressed eagerness to see how the story continues.
Revisiting the Gladiator Saga
The original Gladiator, released in 2000, starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, and Connie Nielsen.
The film follows Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by Commodus after the murder of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who is then enslaved and forced into the gladiatorial arena.
Maximus rises through the ranks, seeking revenge for the murder of his family and the emperor.
Gladiator II introduced a fresh cast, including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington.
Mescal plays Lucius Verus Aurelius, a prince exiled and forced into gladiatorial combat, whose storyline intertwines with the machinations of Macrinus, a former slave plotting to overthrow the twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
Ridley Scott Already Planning Gladiator 3
Just days after the worldwide release of Gladiator II, Scott revealed that he had begun work on the third film.
In an interview with The Times, he mentioned he had written 12 pages and started storyboarding the story, showing his enduring dedication to the saga despite his age.
Critics Reflect on the Sequel
Critical reception to Gladiator II was mixed. Some argued it didn’t reach the heights of the original, while others praised its spectacle.
Daily Mail critic Brian Viner noted that although it “rarely scales the soaring heights of the first film,” it was still “heaps of farfetched and ferocious fun.”
Viner highlighted the film’s over-the-top elements, from killer baboons to a warrior-rhinoceros, and even shark-filled naval battles, acknowledging that Scott prioritizes cinematic flair over historical accuracy.
Yet he concluded, “At the age of 86, the old boy still knows how to craft a sword-and-sandals epic, so to hell with the facts.”
A Director’s Passion Defies Age
Whether fans cheer or groan at the news of Gladiator 3, Scott’s energy and commitment to filmmaking at nearly 90 years old is undeniable.
The upcoming installment will determine whether the epic saga can reclaim the legendary status of the original or further divide the audience.
