Why Gladiator 2 Needed to Emulate This Key Aspect of Wicked

The upcoming Gladiator II could have benefitted greatly from being subdivided into two distinct parts, much like the highly anticipated Wicked adaptation. By stretching the storyline over two films, the characters would have been given the opportunity for deeper development, and the sequel would have set the stage more effectively for a potential Gladiator III. Furthermore, releasing both sequels in closer succession could have solidified the franchise’s standing in popular culture, leading to heightened anticipation for the third installment following Gladiator II’s conclusion.

In the lead-up to the simultaneous premieres of Gladiator II and Wicked, fans coined the term “Glicked,”drawing a parallel to the buzz surrounding the “Barbenheimer”phenomenon in 2023. Despite Gladiator II being a direct continuation of the beloved 2000 classic featuring Russell Crowe, Wicked has outperformed it at the box office and has generated significant buzz as it approaches awards season. A contributing factor to this discussion is the impending release of the Wicked sequel, Wicked: For Good, which is set for next year. Hence, it’s evident that Gladiator II would have fared better in cultural relevance had it also been planned as a two-part saga.

Gladiator 2 & Gladiator 3: A Missed Opportunity for a Two-Part Approach

Gladiator II’s Narrative Should Have Been Expanded Across Two Films

While Gladiator III has not been officially greenlit, director Ridley Scott has expressed a strong interest in continuing the saga beyond Gladiator II. This indicates Scott’s belief in the series’ potential to thrive past just one sequel. In light of this, it would have been prudent if Gladiator II and Gladiator III had been developed in tandem or if an overarching narrative had been established to create coherence between the two films.

Currently, the only character anticipated to return for Gladiator III is Paul Mescal’s Lucius, as most significant characters from Gladiator II met their demise. While fans are eager to see Lucius again, the lack of continuity from Gladiator II to Gladiator III could leave the latter feeling disconnected. Had Gladiator III always been on the table for Scott and his team, it would have made sense for more characters to have survived the second film. Unfortunately, this is not the case, resulting in Gladiator III needing to introduce entirely new characters, which may not enhance the storytelling.

Reviews Highlight Underdeveloped Characters in Gladiator II

Gladiator II’s Characters Had Potential Yet Remained Underdeveloped

Critics have offered respectable reviews for Gladiator II; however, the film has not received the adoration that its predecessor, 2000’s Gladiator, enjoyed. A significant critique centers around the lack of character development. While Gladiator II introduces fascinating figures such as Pedro Pascal’s General Acacius, Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla, and Denzel Washington’s Macrinus, there isn’t enough narrative space to explore their potential fully.

An alternative narrative approach could have seen Gladiator II conclude with General Acacius’s death, setting the stage for Macrinus’s ascent in Gladiator III. Even Lucius, portrayed by Mescal, struggles to stand out amid a star-studded cast. Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair noted that Lucius risks becoming “less of a character than another mere piece on the game board.”This suggests that more screen time distributed across two films could greatly improve character arcs in both installments. Instead, Gladiator III seems destined to introduce a fresh ensemble of A-listers alongside Mescal.

Gladiator III Likely to Encounter the Same Issues as Gladiator II

Gladiator III May Repeat the Shortcomings of Gladiator II

If Gladiator III introduces numerous new characters only to eliminate them, it is poised to replicate the character development challenges seen in Gladiator II. The introduction of many new figures will detract from Lucius’s storyline, leading to insufficient attention for each character. A cohesive story planned across two films could have mitigated this issue.

In summary, the prospect of Gladiator III raises concerns about whether another sequel is necessary. While the Gladiator franchise holds substantial potential, the subsequent films may never reach the pinnacle of the original unless they are thoughtfully executed. It appears that Gladiator III risks echoing the mistakes of its predecessor, yet it may still emerge as an entertaining and ambitious film. However, it is unlikely to match the acclaim of the original Gladiator.

Source: Vanity Fair

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