The trailer suggests the long-awaited sequel could be big hit for Paramount, but fans think (and already criticize) too much about the Roman Empire.
The new film, led by Paul Mescal as a grown-up Lucius, also stars Pedro Pascal and Oscar winner Denzel Washington in what looks to be rousing spectacle.
My Oscar Book:
Paramount’s official trailer on YouTube (watch below) ranks as one of the studio’s most-watched in a 24-hour-period ever.
But it also has 133,000 likes vs. 279,000 dislikes (thus far), which is unusual for major tentpole release.
Several reasons for the backlash–the way the trailer was put together. The trailer, about 3 minutes, is criticized for giving away too much.
The trailer uses Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “No Church in the Wild.” Some ask, “Why have rap music in movie about the Roman Empire?”
Part of the original Gladiator’s appeal was that it was unabashedly classical — a throwback to sandal-and-toga epics like Ben Hur and Spartacus. It also had soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, whose anthem “The Battle” is one of the best action anthems.
It’s hard to imagine such contemporary music actually being used during the film’s Ancient Rome sequences, this is just a trailer, so perhaps critics should be more patient.
Backlash about Washington’s role in the film.
The two-time Oscar winner plays Macrinus, described as cruel power broker who keeps stable of gladiators.
But some complain that Washington still has his New York accent. Washington’s voice is so iconic, it might be weird if he suddenly adopted a British accent.
Other people are complaining about a rap song.
Gladiator II trailer comment:
“Every time Ridley Scott makes a movie, God flips a coin.” After Napoleon, we’re certainly due for terrific one, and Gladiator II might be it.
Here’s the original:
