The Nigerian box office reported these figures on Friday, highlighting a remarkable start for the historical epic directed by Ridley Scott.
Initial reports indicated that the film earned N8.1 million on Thursday alone, exceeding the N7.8 million earned by the advance screenings of Deadpool & Wolverine, which later achieved a debut weekend total of N144.6 million.
The film features a prominent cast, including 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 worked together on American Gangster in 2007, elevating expectations for this sequel.
Continuing the legacy of its Oscar-winning predecessor, Gladiator 2 explores themes of vengeance and redemption set in ancient Rome. The story follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of Maximus, the protagonist of the original film. After tyrannical Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius becomes a gladiator, seeking revenge and striving to restore the glory of Rome.
Directed and co-produced by Ridley Scott, the screenplay was crafted by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig. The film is produced by Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment, and Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation, with distribution handled by Paramount Pictures. Filming took place from June 2023 to January 2024, although production was delayed for five months due to labor disputes in Hollywood in 2023.
The development of the sequel has spanned two decades, with multiple script versions considered since the original Gladiator's release in 2000. The final script began to take shape in 2018, with Mescal being cast in early 2023.
Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 is set to make its mark in the film industry with a reported production budget of $250 million, positioning it among the most costly historical epics in recent years. The film features a stellar cast and builds on the legacy of its 2000 predecessor, yet Paramount Pictures is under considerable financial pressure to secure the sequel's success on a global scale.
Initial domestic forecasts indicate an opening weekend revenue ranging from $58 million to $72 million, as reported by Box Office Theory. While these estimates suggest a strong start for a film of this genre, they do not meet the high financial expectations established by its production costs. Analysts project that Gladiator 2 must earn significantly more than $600 million worldwide to achieve profitability, taking into account marketing and distribution expenses.
The anticipated domestic opening weekend, currently estimated at $65 million, aligns with initial expectations and reflects consistent interest in the film. However, achieving break-even status will largely depend on performance in international markets, especially in regions like China, where epic narratives tend to resonate well with viewers.
Gladiator 2 had its premiere in Sydney, Australia, on October 30, 2024, ahead of its staggered release across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With advanced screenings in Nigeria already exceeding expectations, the film appears well-positioned for a strong box office showing upon its full release. Additionally, discussions regarding a potential third installment, Gladiator 3, have reportedly commenced, signaling Paramount's confidence in the franchise's lasting appeal.