Gladiator 2 earns N17M in advanced screenings ahead of November 22 release 

The Nigerian box office disclosed the figures on Friday, marking an impressive debut for the Ridley Scott-directed historical epic.

Early data revealed the film generated N8.1 million on Thursday alone, surpassing the N7.8 million opening-day advance screenings of Deadpool & Wolverine, which went on to achieve a N144.6 million debut weekend.

The star-studded cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington. Gladiator 2 marks a reunion between Scott and Washington, who last collaborated on American Gangster in 2007, raising expectations for the sequel.

Gladiator 2 continues the legacy of its Oscar-winning predecessor, delving into themes of vengeance and redemption in ancient Rome. The narrative follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of Maximus, the hero of the first film. After his home is seized by tyrannical Roman emperors, Lucius takes up arms as a gladiator, seeking revenge while fighting to restore Rome’s glory.

The sequel’s development spanned two decades, with various iterations of the script considered since Gladiator’s 2000 release. The final version began taking shape in 2018, with Mescal cast in early 2023.

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 enters the cinematic arena with a reported production budget of $250 million, making it one of the most expensive historical epics in recent memory. While the film boasts an impressive cast and the legacy of its 2000 predecessor, Paramount Pictures faces significant financial pressure to ensure the sequel’s global success.

With its Nigerian advanced screening already outperforming expectations, the film is poised for a robust box office performance upon its full release. Meanwhile, discussions around a third installment, Gladiator 3, have reportedly begun, indicating Paramount’s confidence in the franchise’s enduring appeal.