After the special screening of Gladiator II, social media was flooded with praise for Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel. Critics lauded the film for its epic scope, visual impact, and outstanding performances.

Gladiator II” screened for the first time on Friday, October 18 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, and based on early reactions on social media from film critics and influencers, it is “a big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle,

Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here.

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!’

Will Gladiator 3 happen? Even without an official announcement, Ridley Scott is already preparing for a third Gladiator film.

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.

Mescal and costars Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger discussed Scott’s sequel at a special screening in Los Angeles on Oct. 18

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