The official trailer for Paramount’s Gladiator II broke records in its first 24 hours after its release, surpassing the debut trailer views of the highly anticipated Top Gun: Maverick. Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, was viewed by an impressive 128 million people worldwide on various social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. In comparison, Top Gun: Maverick garnered 75 million views during the same time frame, showcasing the immense popularity and anticipation for the Gladiator sequel.
In the United States, Gladiator II quickly rose to the top spot on various platforms and search engines, reaching No. 1 on X and grabbing the No. 2 spot on Google’s U.S. Daily Search Trend list within the first 24 hours of its release. The trailer continues to trend on YouTube even after two days since its launch, indicating sustained interest and buzz surrounding the film. With current views for the Gladiator II trailer standing at 180 million, it is evident that the excitement for the film is at an all-time high.
As Gladiator II gears up for its theatrical release on Friday, November 22, comparisons are being drawn to other blockbuster releases set for the same date. Universal’s highly anticipated movie, Wicked, based on the popular Broadway musical, has also been scheduled for the same release date. The strategic move was made to capitalize on the pre-Thanksgiving weekend audience before Disney’s Moana II hits theaters. Speculations are rife that a potential box office showdown between the male-oriented Gladiator II and the female-centric Wicked could be on the horizon, with both studios vying for the attention of moviegoers.
Gladiator II boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Paul Mescal as Lucius, Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, and Denzel Washington as Macrinus. The film’s storyline, set years after the events of the original Gladiator, follows Lucius as he is forced to enter the Colosseum to battle the tyrannical Emperors who have taken control of Rome. With themes of vengeance, honor, and redemption, Gladiator II promises to be an epic continuation of the beloved franchise that won five Oscars including Best Picture.
The overwhelming response to the Gladiator II trailer and the anticipation surrounding its release are clear indicators of the film’s potential success at the box office. With a star-studded cast, a compelling storyline, and record-breaking trailer views, Gladiator II is poised to be a major blockbuster hit that will captivate audiences around the world.