Renowned film director Christopher Nolan (“Inception,” “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight”) has declared that his favorite movie of 2024 is “Gladiator II” directed by Ridley Scott.
Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Joseph Quinn, Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius, a prisoner of war forced to fight as a gladiator. You can see and read our own review here.
Writing in Variety magazine, Nolan described the film as a masterpiece that combines thrilling spectacle and deep thematic exploration, demonstrating the veteran Blade Runner and Alien director’s visual storytelling skills. Ta.
Director Nolan reflected on the iconic question posed by Russell Crowe’s Maximus in the original Gladiator: “Isn’t it funny?” He emphasized that Scott’s approach goes beyond mere entertainment, crafting a story that challenges audiences to consider their own dark impulses. Nolan writes:
“Scott knows we’re not here for insight into Roman culture. We’re there to look at our own dark desires from a comfortable distance. But… He’s too experienced a director to point out the similarities with our time. II’s world speaks for itself and just invites us to enjoy a crazy inflationary ride, showing us who we are once again.”
Nolan praised Scott’s innovative approach to the sequel, emphasizing the film’s ability to simultaneously function as a sequel and reinvention of its predecessor.
“Like the best long-awaited sequels, Gladiator II is part remake and part sequel. It manages to balance the individual pathos of the original with the expansionist demands of the sequel’s central theme. is a testament to Scott’s talent.”
Nolan was particularly impressed with Scott’s multi-camera technique, which he said produced “one vivid, amazing sequence after another.” He praised the film’s action as not only exhilarating, but also thematically resonant and a reminder of the film’s deeper message.
The filmmaker also reflected on Scott’s contributions to film storytelling, lamenting that the director’s groundbreaking visual techniques are often underappreciated.
“The visual innovations he and his fellow directors from Britain’s Adland brought to film in the 1970s were often dismissed as superficial, but critics at the time missed the point. Photography and careful design bring new depth to the film’s visual language.”
Gladiator II has been making mostly decent money this year (depending on whether reports that the budget exceeded $300 million is true) and recently topped $400 million at the global box office. The film has also received award accolades. At the upcoming 2025 Golden Globe Awards, Denzel Washington has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and the film is nominated for Best Motion Picture and Best Box Office. Washington also won Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards, where he was also nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Production Design.
