Now in its second week of release domestically — third in overseas markets —Ridley Scott’sGladiator IIis beginning to reveal what kind of hit it is. While the movie has made a significant chunk of change at the box office, there’s no running away from the fact that it cost a king’s ransom to produce and market. Nevertheless,Gladiator IIis poised to becomeone of Scott’s highest-grossing hits, and will overtakeRobin Hoodas early as today to becomethe fifth-biggest film of his iconic career.
With $113 million domestically and $208 million from overseas markets,Gladiator IIhas so far grossed $322.3 million worldwide. The movie is less than $100,000 shy of overtakingRobin Hood, which concluded its global run with $322.4 million in 2010. Both historical dramas wereproduced on budgets of at least $200 million. StarringRussell Crowe,Robin Hoodwas viewed as an under-performer, especially in relation to its high costs, and even thoughGladiator IIis guaranteed to make more money in the long run, it’s still a long way away from being considered a clean hit.
Scott’s highest-grossing film remainsThe Martian, which made around $630 million worldwide in 2015, and earned a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.The Martianis followed by the originalGladiator, which grossed over $460 million globally and ended up winning the Best Picture Academy Award. Released in 2012, the science-fiction filmPrometheusmade a little over $400 million worldwide, whileHannibalconcluded its global run with around $350 million.Gladiator IIwill likely overtake bothHannibalandPrometheus, although its chances of surpassing the lifetime global haul of its predecessor are still up in the air.
Ridley Scott’s Films Have Grossed Over $4.9 Billion Worldwide
Gladiator IIopened to mostly positive reviews, but the consensus seems to be that it’s inferior to the original. The movie holds a “fresh” 71% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes.In his reviewfor Collider,Ross Bonaimepraised the battle sequences and the supporting performance ofDenzel Washington.Gladiator IIis already the legendary star’s highest-grossing film, having overtakenAmerican Gangster, which was also directed by Scott.
The filmmaker now ranks ninth on the list of the highest-grossing directors in history. StarringPaul Mescalin the lead role,Gladiator IIalso featuresPedro Pascal,Connie Nielsen,Fred Hechinger, andJoseph Quinn. You can watchGladiator IIin theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
