Gladiator II’ stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger discussed filming Ridley Scott’s sequel at a special screening on the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles on Oct.

Ridley Scott may not have been present for the first major screening of “Gladiator II” on Friday night on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles, but the 86-year-old director was the favorite topic of conversation for stars Paul Mescal,

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.

Gladiator II is Denzel Washington's second sequel and first appearance in an existing franchise, and it may define his career for the next 10 years.

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!’

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,