Gladiator II had its first screening Friday night, and early reactions have made their way to social media. The sequel to the 2000 film was screened at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, where media outlets and film critics got a first look at the movie starring Denzel Washington ,

Emmy-nominated producer and entertainment journalist Scott Mantz added: ‘GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor — great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I was ENTERTAINED!’

Even before Gladiator 2 hits theaters, director Ridley Scott is looking ahead to the next film and starting the script for Gladiator 3.

Early reactions to Ridley Scott's belated sequel Gladiator II have come in from across social media, but how are its initial audiences responding?

Gladiator 2 release date is nearing but initial reviews have predicted that Ridley Scott's movie may become a show-stealer in the Oscars ceremony in 2025.