‘Gladiator 2’ Getting Global Premiere in London as Royal Film Performance
by Alex Ritman · Variety“Gladiator 2,” the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott‘s Oscar-winning epic, is set to begin its bloody campaign in London, where a global premiere will take place on Nov. 13.
Paramount Pictures has teamed with The Film and TV Charity to make the world premiere a Royal Film Performance, a fundraising event that, as the name suggests, is often attended by royalty (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests at the previous Royal Film Performance of “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022). While the film may be getting a screening elsewhere beforehand, Variety understands that the London premiere will mark its first major red carpet touchdown, attended by the cast and crew.
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Landing 24 years after the 2000 original, “Gladiator 2” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
“Ever since making ‘Gladiator,’ year after year, I kept asking myself ‘is there a sequel?’ After nearly 25 years, we are excited to finally answer that question for you, and audiences everywhere,” said Scott. “Making ‘Gladiator 2’ endorsed Orson Welles’ quote that ‘filmmaking is the best train set a boy could ever have.’ This was the biggest train set I’ve ever driven. It feels only right that the U.K. premiere of ‘Gladiator 2’ is taking place in aid of the Film and TV Charity, an organisation that works tirelessly to support the U.K. industry. I think it will live up to your expectations.”
Paramount Pictures U.K. managing director John Fletcher added: “We are hugely excited and honoured that ‘Gladiator 2’ will be the 72nd Royal Film Performance. We feel this worthy charity is a fantastic partner for this hugely anticipated movie and on behalf of Paramount we look forward to welcoming everyone to what we hope will be a most memorable night.
Paramount will “Gladiator 2” in the U.K. on Nov 15 and in the U.S. on Nov. 22.
“I am thrilled to announce that ‘Gladiator 2’ has been confirmed as the 72nd Royal Film Performance,” said Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity. “The first Performance in my tenure as CEO, the event presents an opportunity to highlight the exceptional dedication and talent of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This Performance also allows us to raise crucial funds that enable us to continue offering vital support to talent in the film, TV, and cinema industry as they navigate challenging times.”