Paramount’s Gladiator II trailer has stormed the internet with a whopping 215 million views worldwide across platforms in just days! This time, Paul Mescal takes the helm as a grown-up Lucius, joined by Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, promising nothing short of a thrilling cinematic extravaganza!
And while Paramount’s YouTube trailer for Gladiator II broke records with views, the audience however had mixed reactions, which was pretty evident by the likes and well, the dislikes count. While many fans are hyped, there’s been a wild split with 133,000 likes versus 279,000 dislikes, with the latter seemingly climbing every second!
Denzel Washington Might Be the Reason for Dislike of Gladiator II Trailer
While the investigation into the Gladiator II trailer’s disproportionate like-to-dislike ratio continues, many believe Denzel Washington is a key reason for the trailer’s polarizing reaction. In a widely circulated first look of Washington in the film, he is seen wearing regal blue and gold attire, seated on a golden throne.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the sequel is set in the Roman Empire and draws inspiration from historical events. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, the lead gladiator, while Washington takes on the role of Macrinus, a character that has sparked criticism due to historical portrayals of Romans being predominantly white.
Despite historical evidence of Black individuals in Ancient Rome, such as the notable Roman officer Lucius Quietus, these objections continue to stir controversy.
Some online critics are also grumbling about Denzel Washington keeping his New York accent in the film. While many believe it’s unfair not to give the movie a chance to prove itself, others are eagerly anticipating what it has in store.
What Are Fans Complaining About?
There seems to be considerable confusion about Denzel Washington’s role in the movie. Director Ridley Scott thus, clarified the details in an interview with Vanity Fair, providing a glimpse into how Washington’s character will play out, without giving away too much. He said,
Denzel is an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, supplies wine and oil, makes steel, makes spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. So he is a very wealthy man. Instead of having a stable of racehorses, he has a stable of gladiators. He’s beautiful. He drives a golden Ferrari. I got him a gold-plated chariot.
Here is what the fans actually have to say about the trailer,
we don't have to tiptoe around any of this, this is 100% unambiguously due to racism. https://t.co/VoOVdngcvW
— Guy Who Tells Hartnett He's in a TRAP Truths (@Douggernaut_2) July 11, 2024
Top comments are complaining about the trailer revealing too much and the song choice
"We went from Hans Zimmer to freakin' Spotify music"
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) July 11, 2024
Why is it that if there's a Black person in the trailer, it automatically means it has to have Hip Hop or Rap?
This is 230 AD Rome, not 1986 Compton.
— Private Tom (@PrivateTom69) July 11, 2024
Absolutely nobody:
Denzel Washington with a NY accent in Ancient Rome: “Muh Gladiataaa” pic.twitter.com/225QtkmUNN
— 𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑹𝑨/𝑪𝑽𝑳𝑻𝑽𝑹𝑬 (@RON1NSenju) July 11, 2024
-stop showing the entire film
-shorten the trailer
-use real music
-stop showing a pre 3 second trailer right before we’re watching the actual trailer. Makes 0 sense why studios started doing that.— Sam (@samtrevlicrow) July 11, 2024
Denzel just sounds too modern and is black. Totally out of place in ancient Rome. Give us the usual white dude with a British accent next time please and thank you.
— Froggy (@ZoieNolan) July 11, 2024
People hate everything.
— Michael Aguiar (@MatchesMallone) July 11, 2024
people are such haters cause that trailer was fucking amazing
— Honest Andrew 🥀 (@andrewscomet) July 11, 2024
Watch the trailer below:
It appears that people have numerous complaints about the 3-minute-10-second trailer, whether it’s the Jay-Z rap, Denzel Washington’s character, or even the need for a sequel. However, despite these criticisms, many are absolutely excited to see how it unfolds.
The trailer has also received a lot of positive feedback, and while the reasons for dislike may seem futile, they have undeniably achieved one thing. They have made Gladiator ll the talk of the town. All eyes are now eagerly waiting for its release.
Gladiator II is scheduled to hit the theaters on November 22, 2024.
