Holiday moviegoers can get their fix at home as "Gladiator 2" makes its digital debut tomorrow, December 24. Just one month after its theatrical release, this highly-anticipated sequel directed by Ridley Scott is now available for premium video on demand.
"Gladiator 2" follows Lucius Verus, played by Paul Mescal, the now-grown nephew of Commodus from the original 2000 film. Joining Mescal are Pedro Pascal as General Marcus Acacius and Denzel Washington as Macrinus, who guides Lucius as he navigates the brutal world of gladiators.
Since its debut, the film has grossed over $416 million worldwide, proving its worthy box office performance. Even with this success, the trend of quick digital rollouts continues, as modern blockbusters often transition to digital platforms shortly after their cinematic releases. Paramount hopes to attract viewers willing to pay around $24.99 for the digital version.
Beginning on December 24 at 12 a.m. Eastern Time (or December 23 at 9 p.m. Pacific Time), fans can purchase the digital copy of "Gladiator 2" on platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Vudu. Those who prefer to rent it can do so at approximately $19.99, with a 48-hour viewing window once they hit play.
Even though it won’t be available for streaming on subscription services immediately, many fans expect "Gladiator 2" to be available on Paramount+ soon. Historically, Paramount movies follow similar release patterns. For example, "Smile 2" went digital just one month after its theatrical release and made its streaming debut on Paramount+ nearly two months later.
We can anticipate "Gladiator 2" might make its way to Paramount's streaming platform around late January or early February 2025, following the established trend.
The digital version of the film will include over 100 minutes of exclusive bonus features, offering fans valuable insights behind-the-scenes. Among the features will be snippets about the directorial process by Ridley Scott, as well as the film's production locations, including Malta, Morocco, and the UK.
The bonus content will include segments such as "A Dream That Was Rome: Origins," which delves deep with Scott and producers about the film's historical background, and "What We Do in Life Echoes in Eternity: The Cast," where viewers will get to see the casting process firsthand.
Fans can also explore "To Those About To Die, We Salute You: Combat," which highlights how the filmmakers married choreographed fight scenes with state-of-the-art visual effects. Along with this eye-catching content, there are segments detailing the post-production process, including the efforts of composer Harry Gregson-Williams.
While "Gladiator 2" has taken its place as one of the hallmark films of the holiday season, with its action-packed sequences and dramatic narrative arcs, its arrival on digital platforms cements its place as another must-watch title from director Ridley Scott. The film has met with favorable reviews, including receiving praise from critics for its unmissable performances.
Despite this relative success, the film faced stiff competition from other holiday releases, finishing second behind "Wicked." The collaborative response has been strong, generating discussions about potential sequels, as Scott has hinted at ideas for "Gladiator 3."
Staying true to the franchise's enduring legacy set by the original, director Ridley Scott has noted: "I always had this idea... Lucius isn’t quite evil at all. He’s wondering, ‘Father, what do I do?’" This sentiment hints at compelling narrative threads yet to be explored, leaving fans eagerly guessing about Lucius's fate.
So, for those who might have missed "Gladiator 2" during its run, the wait is almost over, with the digital release just around the corner. For viewers hoping to see epic battles, grand sets, and the emotional depth fans have come to expect, this will be the ideal way to ring in the holidays.