Ridley Scott's sequel Gladiator II has become one of Paramount's highest-grossing movies of all time, surpassing some classic movies in the process. The movie is the sequel to the Oscar-winning sword and sandal epic Gladiator, which Scott directed back in 2000. Though original lead Russell Crowe did not return to star in the sequel, Scott again directed, and Paul Mescal stepped into the lead role. Though Gladiator II has not quite reached the critical heights of the first movie, the film has still proven to be a success theatrically, grossing almost $370 million worldwide to date.
Due to its recent success, Gladiator II has entered the list of Paramount's highest-grossing movies of all-time, according to figures from The Numbers. The movie currently sits at #47 on the chart, with a worldwide gross of $369.7 million, taking $134 million at the domestic box office. Gladiator II sits just above Raiders of the Lost Ark (#48, with a gross of $367.5 million), and Top Gun (#49, with a gross of $357.5 million), and just below Captain America: The First Avenger (#46, with a gross of $370.6 million).
What This Means For Gladiator II's Future
The Movie's Run Could Continue
Gladiator II has enjoyed a strong run at the box office to date, but also faced competition from huge box office hits like Wicked and Moana 2. Despite the original movie being released 24 years ago, the sequel has made a splash among audiences, and there is every chance that Gladiator II will continue its box office run and surpass the original movie's $465 million gross. While its awards prospects are a bit murkier than initially predicted, the movie has more than justified its existence in Paramount's eyes.
Paramount's highest-grossing movie remains 1997's
Titanic
at over $2 billion worldwide.
The festive period can sometimes see audiences embracing movies that feel out of place among the blatant cheer and joy, and there is a chance that Gladiator II could continue its box office charge over the holiday season. With Captain America and The Adventures of Tintin in its sights on the Paramount chart, there is reason to be optimistic that Scott's movie can rise even further. Though it definitely won't hit the very top, its mere presence within the top 50 titles confirms Gladiator is an enduring property for the studio.
Our Take On What's Next For Gladiator II
The Movie Could Excel On Streaming
Gladiator II has only been in theaters for less than a month, so it still has a good few weeks ahead of it, especially with Christmas ahead. Nevertheless, Paramount will soon be keen to give it a strong run on streaming. Based on the expected 45-day theatrical window studios adhere to these days, Gladiator II can arrive on Paramount+ as early as mid-January, though the streamer has yet to give a specific date. Being available at home would likely see it achieve a spike in interest. Regardless of critical standing and awards attention, Gladiator II has a bright future ahead.
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott's award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
English (US) ·