“Is AI Replacing Artistry? Fans Divided Over Controversial Opening Scene of Gladiator 2!”
The highly anticipated sequel to the cinematic classic Gladiator has barely breathed the air of the silver screen for a week, yet it’s already igniting fierce debates among fans. How is it possible for a film—albeit one that made its mark nearly a quarter-century ago—to spark such polarized reactions within mere days? While Gladiator 2 walked away from early press screenings basking in praise, audiences seem to be responding with a mix of admiration and bewilderment, particularly over the film’s opening credit scene, which some hailed as artistic genius while others likened it to the work of artificial intelligence—talk about a plot twist! With director Ridley Scott back at the helm, tensions are brewing not just over the film’s content, but also around its aesthetic choices. Will our newly minted gladiators capture the magic of the original, or are we looking at a modern take on a classic that misfires? Grab your popcorn, folks! There’s much more to dissect here, so let’s dig deeper. LEARN MORE.
The newest Gladiator sequel has only been in cinemas for under a week, but already it is splitting fans.
Though Gladiator 2 received rave reviews coming out of the early press screenings, fan reaction has been far more divided.
Part of this is the opening credit scene, which has some fans calling it a ‘masterpiece’, and others going as far as to suggest it was made using AI.
Director Ridley Scott, who came back to the swords and sandals classic nearly a quarter of a century on, has come out in support of AI recently which may have contributed to the suggestion.
The opening credits of the sequel sums up the events of the Best-Picture winning first film which starred Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen.
The sequel sees only Nielsen return, with Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal rounding out the leading cast.
One tweet on the subject said: “So how long before we find out the opening credits of Gladiator 2 was AI. Literally worst film of the year.”
Another fan replied to this saying: “I keep hearing that the opening might be AI, f*ck man….”
Paul Mescal stars in the film. (Paramount Pictures)
Others, however, suggested it was an oil painting made by the artists behind the production company’s logo.
One fan tweeted about the opening credits saying: “alsooo whoever’s genius idea of the Gladiator II’s opening credits needs a raise”.
Another said: “the opening credits for Gladiator 2 was so f*cking majestic, i am honestly obsessed”.
A third tweeted: “Gladiator 2 opening credits are so good though”.
The film currently sits at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7/10 on IMDb. While that may be a great result for other films, considering the original has an 8.5 on IMDb and 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is clearly more controversial than the first.
Despite this though, the film is still a frontrunner for the Oscars.
The film has had a controversial release (Paramount Pictures)
The sequel is the fifth favourite in Variety’s ranking of Best Picture winners, with Denzel Washington the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor ahead of Kieran Culkin.
Maureen Lee Lenker of Entertainment Weekly said in their review of the film: “While some of the plot points may leave a queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach given their modern parallels, one truth rises above the rest: With a movie this meticulously made, there’s no way to not be entertained.”
Meanwhile, the Independent slammed the film, saying: “Gladiator 2 is an awful mess – no wonder it made Russell Crowe uncomfortable.
“It’s a rushed, poorly acted quasi-remake from which only Denzel Washington and a well-dressed monkey emerge unscathed.”
