Paramount’s sequel to the award-winning 2000 movie, Gladiator II, has been met with a myriad of reactions. The film features Paul Mescal leading the cast with Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington in supporting roles. The trailer has quickly amassed 215 million cross-platform global views, despite some fans expressing their displeasure.
Paramount’s official Gladiator II trailer has set a record as one of the most-viewed by the studio in a 24-hour period, with the like-dislike ratio reflecting some contentious points among the film’s potential audience.
Criticism of the trailer is generally focused on three main issues. Firstly, the trailer – which runs over three minutes – has been accused of revealing too many key plot points, a strategy disapproved of by many audiences. Second, the trailer’s use of 'No Church in the Wild' by Kanye West and Jay-Z has been received with skepticism, with critics questioning the fit of modern rap music in a film set in Ancient Rome.
Lastly, some fans have voiced their concerns over the casting of Denzel Washington due to his retained New York accent and racially-charged comments. The negative reactions to both the soundtrack and Washington's role have led some to label the controversy as another instance of toxic fandom.
Further fueling the dispute are the comments below the trailer, where some users have made bigoted remarks scoffing at the idea of an African-American actor playing a role in a film set in Ancient Rome. This is despite historical evidence showing the presence of African individuals in positions of power in Ancient Rome.
The music for the original Gladiator film was produced by Hans Zimmer, who declined to compose this sequel's music, leaving the task to Harry Gregson-Williams. Zimmer’s opting out is also a point of contention among fans, given his widely acclaimed contribution to the first movie.
The diverging opinions might not subside anytime soon, as Washington is also confirmed to star in an upcoming Netflix feature about Roman-era commander Hannibal. Regardless of the controversy, the anticipation for Ridley Scott's Gladiator II remains high in hopes of it being another cinematic masterpiece.
