(L to R) Paul Mescal is Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson is John Lennon, Joseph Quinn is George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan is Ringo Starr in ‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
Preview:
The first official pictures of leads Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson as the Beatles are online.
Sam Mendes is busy making linked movies under the banner The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event.
The movies will be released in 2028.
The cameras have already been rolling on Sam Mendes’ ambitious aim to chronicle a particular period in the life of musical sensations The Beatles, known as ‘The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.’
Paul Mescal is Paul McCartney in ‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
With the backing of Sony Pictures Classics –– not to mention being granted full life story and music rights by Beatles holding company Apple Corps Ltd. (not the iPhone gang), surviving members McCartney and Starr and the families of deceased colleagues Lennon and Harrison –– Mendes will make four different biopics, covering each Beatles’ experiences during the band’s rise to massive popularity.
Though a strict time period for what the movies will cover has yet to be announced, the idea is for the stories to (naturally intersect), looking to get a fuller, clearer picture of their time than any one movie could hope to accomplish.
Harris Dickinson is John Lennon in ‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
Here’s what Mendes had to say about the project:
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
When will ‘The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event’ be in theaters?
Barry Keoghan is Ringo Starr in ‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
The current plan is for all four movies to land in April 2028.
Joseph Quinn is George Harrison in ‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’. Photo: Sony Pictures.‘The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event’, directed by Sam Mendes. (L to R) Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr), and Joseph Quinn (George Harrison). In theaters April 2028. Photo by: John Russo.
Every frame of ‘Hamnet’ is beautifully designed and captured by director Chloe Zhao (‘Eternals’) and her team, rendering England during the life and times of William Shakespeare in both ethereal and grimy terms. Life is hard, but also mysterious, and those who still connect with the forces of nature are an increasingly rare breed – like Anne ‘Agnes’ Hathaway (Jessie Buckley), who becomes the Bard’s wife and is the true center of ‘Hamnet.’
Agnes, the daughter of an alleged ‘forest witch,’ is both luminously beautiful and slightly feral, which makes her all-intoxicating for Shakespeare himself (Paul Mescal). ‘Hamnet’ chronicles that passion, their deep love, and the creation of their family in poignantly simple terms – until tragedy rips at their very core. But that tragedy also manifests itself in a way that reverberates through history, and it’s only when that happens that ‘Hamnet’ wobbles, with the film not providing enough time for that aspect of the story to breathe and take root in the same way that its first part does.
A young William Shakespeare is drawn to the magnetic Agnes (pronounced ANN-yes) in 16th century Stratford, and after a quick courtship they’re going at it hot and heavy in a stable. That leaves Agnes pregnant with the first of their three children, initiating a marriage that is frowned upon by Shakespeare’s brutish father (David Wilmot) and stern mother (Emily Watson). But William, Agnes, and their children – Susanna, and the twins Judith and Hamnet – find happiness in their existence, even if William has to travel frequently to London to write and produce his plays.
It’s only when the unimaginable (at least for us; it was much more common then) hits the clan, resulting in the death of perhaps the most precocious family member, that the clan’s entire dynamic is in danger of disintegrating – particularly as a shattered Agnes begins to bitterly resent her husband for not being there for that child’s last moments, and for throwing himself into his work instead of sharing in her grief. But William has his own method for dealing with the loss and his unspeakable anguish – and it expresses itself through the creation of one of his greatest plays (at least according to this movie, and the Maggie O’Farrell novel it was based on; the truth, as with many aspects of the real Shakespeare’s life, remains elusive).
For its first two-thirds, ‘Hamnet’ builds a magnificent edifice of love, emotion, and empathy that borders on the mystical, primarily through the force of nature that is Jessie Buckley’s Agnes. Her love for William – and his reciprocation – is the core of the movie’s first act, with their endearing family life the center of its second. It all comes crashing down during an extended, agonizing sequence in which Agnes’ feral, soul-crushing response is a heartbreaking howl of loss that could reverberate through the soul of every parent.
After reaching that height of sorrow, Zhao doesn’t completely find a way to balance the scales, or at least give the rest of the narrative the weight it deserves. Agnes’ fury toward William doesn’t seem earned – even if he becomes a distant figure during the middle of the film — and her journey during the closing sequences, both physical as she travels to London to see what the hell her husband is doing there and psychological as she sees his latest play and realizes where it’s coming from, seems rushed. Where ‘Hamnet’ should reach a powerful crescendo of forgiveness and acceptance, it never quite brings down the house, leaving one feeling like something’s missing.
Whatever the flaws in narrative structure, there are none whatsoever in Jessie Buckley’s performance. She has been cited as the favorite to take home an Oscar this year and there’s no question about it. We meet Agnes curled at the base of a tree; she returns to that tree to give birth to her first child. The woman is connected to nature in ways both beautiful and enigmatic, and Buckley captures every aspect of her – her mystical nature, her undeniable charisma, her fierce love, and her excruciating grief – just right. It’s a powerhouse piece of work, and although it’s one of several delivered by women this year, it will be hard to top.
We were somewhat soured on Paul Mescal after his miscasting in ‘Gladiator II,’ but he’s returned to our good graces here. Mescal’s Shakespeare, while not nearly as present onscreen as Agnes, is nevertheless a complex presence, a man torn between his love for his family and the work that takes him away from them, both physically and mentally. Mescal’s portrayal here is soulful and empathetic, giving us a glimpse into the beating heart of one of literature’s greatest geniuses (there’s only one scene, in which he spouts some of his most famous lines while considering the end of his own life, that doesn’t ring true).
Attention must be paid as well to Emily Watson’s Mary Shakespeare, whose relationship with Agnes evolves from dour disapproval to love and understanding, and especially Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet Shakespeare, about whom we’ll say little but who also rips one’s heart out during several key scenes.
Chloe Zhao seems most comfortable as a director in exploring the human psyche, the depths of our emotion and empathy, and the intimacy of our connection to both other people and the world around us. Perhaps that’s why her sole attempt to date at spectacle, ‘Eternals,’ didn’t quite work, while films like ‘Nomadland’ are so powerful.
She re-centers herself here with ‘Hamnet,’ finding all the elements of her best work while adding a powerful message about the ways in which we process grief and how the creation of art can channel the deepest and most intense of human emotions. Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ is not a recreation of events in the Bard’s life (which may or may not have happened as they do in this film), and neither is Chloe Zhao’s ‘Hamnet.’ But both take on a single, universal query: can art can provide empathy, understanding, and even healing? That is the question indeed.
William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and Anne ‘Agnes’ Hathaway (Jessie Buckley) marry and have three children, until the family is shattered by an unthinkable tragedy that leads to the writing of one of the Bard’s greatest plays.
(Left) Saoirse Ronan as Rona in ‘The Outrun’. Photo: Martin Scott Powell. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics. (Center) Anna Sawai in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+. (Right) Aimee Lou Wood in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
Preview:
Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney in Sam Mendes’ Beatles project.
Anna Sawai and Aimee Lou Wood are among those circling roles.
(L to R) Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon in ‘The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years.’
With the backing of Sony Pictures Classics –– not to mention being granted full life story and music rights by Beatles holding company Apple Corps Ltd. (not the iPhone gang), surviving members McCartney and Starr and the families of deceased colleagues Lennon and Harrison –– Mendes will make four different biopics, covering each Beatles’ experiences during the band’s rise to massive popularity.
Though a strict time period for what the movies will cover has yet to be announced, the idea is for the stories to (naturally intersect), looking to get a fuller, clearer picture of their time than any one movie could hope to accomplish.
Here’s what Mendes had to say about the project:
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
When will ‘The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event’ be in theaters?
Mendes is currently aiming for the movies to release close together in April 2028, so he has his work cut out for him and a lot of hard day’s nights ahead.
Jacob Elordi stars in director Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’
Preview:
Jacob Elordi’s in talks for ‘The Dog Stars’
If he signs on, he’d replace Paul Mescal in the lead.
Ridley Scott is on board to direct.
What Ridley Scott utters, so it shall come to pass. Okay, so the last time he was asked about the subject, the venerable director didn’t exactly confirm that Paul Mescal, the star of his most recent film, ‘Gladiator II’ might be about to drop out of one of his next planned projects, but he didn’t not confirm it either.
The issue here appears to be Mescal’s schedule. While he’s previously said he’d happily reunite with Ridley for any movie, it would seem that the Irish actor has instead signed on for Sam Mendes’ ambitious plan to make a biopic of the Beatles.
More specifically, four biopics, one for each band member, and crossing the stories between the films. Though no official casting information has emerged, Mescal is hotly tipped to be playing Paul McCartney.
Here’s what Scott said about Mescal acting in his next project when asked by Christopher Nolan in a conversational Q&A held before the holidays at the Director’s Guild of America:
“Yes. Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
Looks like he’s letting him go and moving on to another young actor whose career is skyrocketing. Mescal need not worry too much, though –– Denzel Washington worked with Scott in 2007’s ‘American Gangster’ and it only took 16 years for them to reunite on ‘Gladiator II…’
What’s the story of The Dog Stars’?
(L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world in which a virus has wiped out most of humanity, the protagonist is Hig (Elordi, assuming his deal closes), a pilot who survived the flu that killed everyone he knew, his wife included.
He lives in the hangar of a small, abandoned airport with his dog, his only neighbor a gun-toting ex-Marine. Hig sometimes heads off in his 1956 Cessna, where he can fish, and pretend things are how they used to be.
When a random transmission somehow beams through his radio, the voice ignites a hope deep inside him that a better life might exist if he flies a bit further. He risks it all to chase a possible haven in Grand Junction.
Where else have I seen Jacob Elordi?
Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton in ‘Saltburn.’ Photo: Amazon MGM Studios. Amazon MGM Studios.
Elordi got his big break in Netflix rom-com ‘The Kissing Booth,’ and went on to appear in three films in the franchise.
On the big screen, he’s been seen in the likes of ‘2 Hearts,’ ‘Deep Water,’ ‘The Sweet East’ and ‘Priscilla,’ in which he played Elvis Presley. And in ‘Saltburn,’ he was the privileged scion of a wealthy British family whose decision to bring home a less fortunate student from his university proved to be a very bad idea.
Elordi also scored attention playing Nate Jacobs in TV sensation ‘Euphoria,’ though his packed film schedule likely means he may not return for Season 3 (though he could well find time, given how delayed the shooting schedule for the third season of the show has been).
Next up for the actor most likely is a reunion with ‘Saltburn’ director Emerald Fennell, who has been busy working on an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights.’ Elordi would play Heathcliff alongside Margot Robbie as doomed love Catherine Earnshaw.
Then there’s another sci-fi project, ‘Parallel,’ which posits a world where parallel dimensions are accessible, but only known to a select group of people –– and travelling between worlds is highly illegal.
What else is Ridley Scott working on?
(L to R) Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
With Elordi in the midst of a deal, that points to ‘The Dog Stars’ ramping up as the next movie that Scott will shoot (and it’s also listed as in pre-production on the IMDb.).
Yet Variety’s story also mentions the director’s plan to make a Bee Gees biopic, something he has had sitting on his To Do list for a while now. And there’s every chance the biopic could leapfrog ‘The Dog Stars.’
The Bee Gees film would re-team Scott with one of his collaborators on the original ‘Gladiator,’ writer John Logan.
And it’s far from the only movie the busy director has on his potential projects list –– there is a wealth of others, before we even mention the long batch of TV series on which he’s listed as producer. It’s a wonder the man ever sleeps.
That’s a big question at this point. Since Scott has yet to fully start on either ‘The Dog Stars’ or his Bee Gees project, there is no telling when either might be released.
Still, given the prolific nature of the (checks notes) 87-year-old director, we wouldn’t be too shocked if at least one was ready for some point in 2026. Let’s not forget: this is the same filmmaker who has brought us three movies across the last four years.
Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton in ‘Saltburn.’ Photo: Amazon MGM Studios. Amazon MGM Studios.
(Left) Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures. (Right) Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
‘Gladiator II’s Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn are reportedly playing Paul McCartney and George Harrison in new Beatles biopics.
Sam Mendes is putting the films together.
Barry Keoghan and Harris Dickinson are also linked to the movies.
Ever since we first learned months ago that ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Empire of Light’ director Sam Mendes had come up with an ambitious plan to craft not one, but four interlinked music biopics about possibly the most famous group in the world –– that would be The Beatles –– everyone has been wondering who would land the coveted, challenging roles of main members Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
That is now really coming into focus as, while nothing has been confirmed by either Mendes or the studio, the latest word from Deadline is that ‘Gladiator II’s Joseph Quinn is aboard to play George Harrison.
(Left) Barry Keoghan in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+. (Right) Ringo Starr in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. Photo: United Artists.
And talking of other people letting slip about potential casting, we also recently had Ridley Scott jokingly complaining that his ‘Gladiator II’ star Paul Mescal may not be able to reunite with him for the director’s next movie ‘The Dog Stars’ because of a clash with the Beatles movies.
Here’s what Scott said about Mescal acting in his next project when asked by Christopher Nolan in a conversational Q&A held this week at the Director’s Guild of America:
“Yes. Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
It’s an odd coincidence that two ‘Gladiator II’ stars are both now linked to the Beatles movies, but we shouldn’t really be surprised –– both are in-demand talents, with Quinn also having just worked on Marvel’s new ‘Fantastic Four’ movie (and according to Deadline’s sources toting a guitar around set as he practices guitar for the McCartney role.)
Read on for more details on the Beatles film and the other current rumored casting…
What’s the plan for Sam Mendes’ Beatles films?
(L to R) George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon in ‘The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years.’
With the backing of Sony Pictures Classics –– not to mention being granted full life story and music rights by Beatles holding company Apple Corps Ltd. (no, not the company behind the iPhone), surviving members McCartney and Starr and the families of deceased colleagues Lennon and Harrison –– Mendes will make four different biopics, covering each Beatles’ experiences during the band’s rise to massive popularity.
A strict time period for what the movies will cover has yet to be announced.
Here’s what Mendes had to say about the project:
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
And this is the statement from Mendes’ Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris:
“We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling, and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time. To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege. From our first meeting with [Sony execs] Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler, it was clear that they shared both our passion and ambition for this project, and we can’t think of a more perfect home than Sony Pictures.”
Who else has been rumored for Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics?
(Left) Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich in ‘The Iron Claw.’ Photo: A24.
Alongside Mescal, Quinn and Keoghan (who we’ve heard was originally hired to play Emperor Geta in ‘Gladiator II,’ only to be replaced by Quinn when scheduling issues reared their heads), the buzz for John Lennon has been around Harris Dickinson.
Is it wrong that there’s a tiny part of us hoping for Mendes to shock the world by announcing that he’s instead chosen the actors who played the Fab Four in 2007’s ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story’? Yes, the world demands that Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Justin Long and Jason Schwartzman return as John, Paul George and Ringo!
Given the scope of the movies, the current aim is to have the movies in theaters by 2027, with the plan for their release dates still to be announced. Will we see them release a month apart? Spread out across the years? It’s too early to tell.
“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy. There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms
(L to R) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon in ‘The Beatles: Get Back – The Rooftop Concert.’
(Left) Barry Keoghan in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+. (Right) Ringo Starr in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. Photo: United Artists.
Preview:
Ringo Starr says Barry Keoghan will play him for director Sam Mendes’ ambitious multi-biopic plan
He’ll make one film about each member’s time in the iconic band.
Apple Corps and the band have granted full life rights.
In fact, his idea was not to simply make one about the Liverpool-based supergroup whose music has dominated corners of the public consciousness for years, but four –– one each for members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, their stories intertwining to produce a fuller picture of their rise to pop and rock stardom in the 1960s.
Naturally, there has been feverish speculation about which rising stars or establish actors might be cast to play the four Beatles (not to mention those who were in the group before they hit it big and any appropriate partners etc.)
“I think it’s great. I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.”
Yep, Ringo’s got jokes.
What’s the plan for Sam Mendes’ Beatles films?
(L to R) George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon in ‘The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years.’
With the backing of Sony Pictures Classics –– not to mention being granted full life story and music rights by Beatles holding company Apple Corps Ltd. (no, not the company behind the Mac), surviving members McCartney and Starr and the families of deceased colleagues Lennon and Harrison –– Mendes will make four different biopics, covering each Beatles’ experiences during the band’s rise to massive popularity.
A strict time period for what the movies will cover has yet to be announced.
Here’s what Mendes had to say about the project:
“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
And this is the statement from Mendes’ Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris:
“We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling, and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time. To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege. From our first meeting with [Sony execs] Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler, it was clear that they shared both our passion and ambition for this project, and we can’t think of a more perfect home than Sony Pictures.”
Who else has been rumored for Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics?
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
At this point, we can only imagine the size of the casting net Mendes and his producers have been throwing for the project, not to mention the clamoring of agents to get their clients either a meeting or an audition.
As for the other main Beatles, the rumors so far have swirled around ‘Gladiator II’s Paul Mescal circling the role of Paul McCartney, ‘The Iron Claw’s Harris Dickinson linked to John Lennon, and Mescal’s fellow ‘Gladiator II’ actor Joseph Quinn (who will also be appearing in next year’s ‘Fantastic Four’ movie for Marvel) to portray George Harrison.
Essentially, it’s been a who’s who of who’s hot. Mendes, of course, will make his choice in due time (assuming he hasn’t already) and we’ll have to wait for a big announcement to see who actually ends up on screen.
Mendes’ movies will be highly anticipated, and not just for the scope of their ambition –– you need to find a way to stand out in the music biopic business; just look at the upcoming film on the life of Robbie Williams, which sees the pop star brought to life as a CG ape.
The Beatles, of course, are on a whole other level.
And interest in them continues to be high –– we’ve only just seen the latest documentary about the group, ‘Beatles ‘64’, which blends previously-shown footage with some new interviews.
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When will Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics hit theaters?
Given the scope of the movies, the current aim is to have the movies in theaters by 2027, with the plan for their release dates still to be announced. Will we see them release a month apart? Spread out across the years? It’s too early to tell.
“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy. There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”
(L to R) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon in ‘The Beatles: Get Back – The Rooftop Concert.’
(Left) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
‘Wicked’ has proved to be a record-breaking opening for a musical.
‘Gladiator II’ was also successful.
The box office total was up compared to last year.
Studios and theater owners had something to be very thankful for this weekend, as both ‘Gladiator II’ and ‘Wicked’ stormed to big wins –– record-breaking success in the musical movie’s case –– at the box office ahead of the holiday.
Universal has, of course blanketed media with ‘Wicked’ promotions and there is enough merchandising out there to fill the courtyard of Shiz university.
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‘Gladiator II,’ meanwhile, saw Paramount rolling out giant ads and, in a move that has clearly paid off, chose to open the historical epic sequel a week earlier in some international markets, getting a jump on the competition.
It might not quite be the same phenomenon as “Barbenheimer” from last year (when ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ opened big together, but whatever portmanteau sticks –– “Glicked,” perhaps, or “Wickiator”? –– it’s still good news.
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How did ‘Wicked’ perform at the box office?
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Unlike the ‘Gladiator follow-up, ‘Wicked’ launched this week globally as well as domestically, and it has seen solid totals both here and elsewhere.
There were concerns that the fact it’s part one of two might hurt sales but confirming the split between films ahead of time seems to have reassured viewers. It doesn’t hurt that the movie enjoyed positive reviews and was embraced by a large slice of the moviegoing public.
How the story as a whole works remains to be seen –– ‘Part 2′ isn’t due until next November, but based on the reception for the first, the second looks set to be a success too.
The movie musical adapted from the hugely successful stage show earned $114 million in the US, which is the third-biggest movie debut in total this year (behind ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and ‘Inside Out 2.’) It is also the biggest domestic opening ever for a movie based on a Broadway production, overtaking the likes of ‘The Color Purple.’
Overseas, the response was a little more muted, with $50 million, but that $164.2 million global launch secured the largest opening for a Broadway-based movie, supplanting 2012’s ‘Les Misérables,’ which launched to $103 million.
Ticket sales for ‘Wicked’ rank as the fifth-biggest worldwide debut in history for a musical, ahead of Disney’s 2023 ‘The Little Mermaid’ reimagining ($163.6 million) and behind 2019’s ‘The Lion King’ ($446 million), 2017’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ remake ($358 million), 2019’s ‘Frozen 2’ ($358 million ) and 2019’s ‘Aladdin’ ($213 million).
So while the witches of Oz can’t quite compare to the Mouse House, at least this result might make studios actually put the music of their, er, musicals in trailers going forward (no, we’re not holding our breath either.)
And the movie still has a few key markets left to open, including France, China and Japan.
Universal will need it to stay popular –– the combined two movies come with a $300 million price tag and the company spent untold millions on a worldwide promotional tour with the cast. Still, the blizzard of Oz-related partnership deals will help.
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
As with ‘Wicked,’ the new ‘Gladiator’ outing had a solid base from which to build, but also some big sandals to fill.
Ridley Scott’s 2000 original was a big smash, earning nearly half a billion dollars globally (a big figure in 2000 terms) and winning five Oscars, including Best Picture.
A sequel has been in development almost as long as the original has been out, but it has taken years for Scott and a cadre of writers to crack the sequel story.
In the end, they chose to follow Lucius, the young man seen in the first film (played there by Spencer Treat Clark) who is the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, who returns for the sequel).
(L to R) Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla and Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
The new movie follows a grown Lucius (with rising star Paul Mescal in the role) as he finds himself enslaved by the Roman empire and forced to fight as a gladiator. He’s also drawn into the turbulent politics of Rome via Macrinus, a slave-turned-slave-owning arms dealer, played to scene-stealing effect by Denzel Washington.
‘Gladiator II’ opened to $55.5 million domestically (slightly behind predictions) and added $50.5 million to its overseas total.
As mentioned, it had already launched overseas, and currently stands at $165.5 million from territories outside the US, and $221 million globally.
Which is a fine start for the movie, and Paramount will be hoping it stays strong at the box office. It skews more male and older than ‘Wicked’ or the family-friendlier titles on the way (see below for the heavy hitter headed to screens), but with a $250 million-plus budget (and around $100 million in promotional costs), it’ll be battling its way to profit.
Disney is looking to enter the fray this Thanksgiving week with its latest sequel to a big movie –– ‘Moana 2,’ which the studio birthed from the planned animated series follow-up to the 2016 hit, will be on screens on November 27th, looking to attract the family crowds in search of something for the kids to watch during the hectic holidays.
With Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho returning as Maui and Moana, the studio will be hoping for another successful launch, though we’d doubt that it’ll hit the heights of, say, ‘Inside Out 2’ from earlier this year.
Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Other Movies and TV Shows Based on the ‘Wizard of Oz’:
How else to explain the fact that they’re both clearing space in busy calendars to re-team on a new movie called ‘The Dog Stars’?
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With both Scott and Mescal out stumping for the ‘Gladiator’ sequel, Deadline reports that Scott has decided to next make the adaptation of Peter Heller’s 2012 post-apocalyptic novel.
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Adapted by ‘The Revenant’s Mark L. Smith, ‘The Dog Stars’ is set in a near future where an unnamed pandemic has decimated American society.
A civilian pilot lives a lonely life on an abandoned Colorado airbase with his dog and a tough ex-marine. The two men couldn’t be more mismatched but depend on each other to fend off roaming invaders.
When a random transmission beams through the radio of his 1956 Cessna, the voice ignites a hope deep inside the pilot that a better life exists outside their tightly controlled perimeter. Risking everything, he flies past his point of no return and follows its static-broken trail.
The new movie will squeeze into a potential spring filming spot for the director, who as always has been juggling a number of potential projects. It appears this will leapfrog ahead of his planned Bee Gees biopic.
Mescal, meanwhile, will be taking to the Broadway stage this winter, in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ Mescal is reprising his turn as Stanley Kowalski from the praised London production.
Scott has also expressed an interest in reuniting with Mescal for another project, one even more closely linked to their new release –– a third ‘Gladiator’ outing, as reported recently.
What has happened with ‘Gladiator III’ so far?
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
While a third ‘Gladiator’ movie is strictly at the discussion stage right now, Scott told France’s Premiere magazine that he’s considering ideas for it.
Here’s what Scott had to say:
“I’m already playing with the idea of ‘Gladiator III’ “No, seriously! I lit the fuse… The ending of ‘Gladiator II’ evokes that of ‘The Godfather,’ with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want and wondering, ‘And now, Father, What am I doing?’ So, the next film will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”
That concept points to a return for Paul Mescal, who plays main character Lucius.
In a follow-up interview with the magazine, the actor admitted that he’d spoken to Scott about a potential next outing.
This is what Mescal had to say:
“Yes, Ridley spoke to me about it, but only yesterday! So I’m waiting to see what will happen, but it interests me, of course. But we must not rush anything: the story must hold together.”
Whether it interests Mescal or not is only part of the issue here; ‘Gladiator II’ is a big, expensive bet by Paramount (to the tune of, according to different reports, of between $200 and $300 million), so it will need to make some serious profit to trigger spending on another sequel.
But let’s be honest here, if any director can wrangle studios to his will, it’s Scott.
‘Gladiator II’ battles its way into theaters on November 22nd.
(L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
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The new movie naturally doesn’t feature Crowe’s Maximus, but his legacy and imprint is all over the sequel much in the way that ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ called back to its own original film.
(L to R) Pedro Pascal plays General Acacius and Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
It was surprising that, given the cultural impact, box office success and Oscar success of the 2000 film, Paramount didn’t simply try to capitalize with a sequel. Part of that might be explained by Ridley Scott trying to find a good reason and the right story (after all, his main character, soldier-turned-gladiator Maximus, played by Russell Crowe –– spoiler alert –– dies at the end).
Scott has finally found something he’s happy with, setting the narrative 16 years after the events of the original, yet featuring plenty of links to that movie. In fact, there are some elements that are embedded as deeply as a trident in flesh.
It’s welcome that the director waited and made sure he was truly ready to return to this world and has rustled up an effective cast to carry on the legacy (a word that hangs heavy over this film) and can deploy even more spectacular moments in the arena.
Script and Direction
(L to R) Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Following a long process of development, with a lot of writers trying their hand at a new screenplay, the director has worked with David Scarpa, who scripted previous movies such as ‘Napoleon’ and ‘All the Money in the World’ for Scott. With a story credit for Peter Craig, the new screenplay is robust and meaty, full of political maneuvering and the sort of big speeches about honor and victory that you might expect from a ‘Gladiator’ movie.
Does it lean a little too heavily on the first film at times, whole sequences feeling like callbacks to it? Yes, but that doesn’t detract from the overall power of the new entry. There are the heroic central characters, sneery villains and one standout role that will have people talking.
Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
As for Scott’s direction, the 86-year-old filmmaker shows no sign of slowing down and invests the new movie will plenty of panache. In fact, this is one of his best films in years, balancing tone and battles far more assuredly than ‘Napoleon’ ever managed.
He and his team have also managed to conjure up some fine fights, making this the rare sequel that can stand alongside the original, while not quite reaching the same quality threshold.
‘Gladiator II’: Performances
Paul Mescal as Lucius
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Paul Mescal, whose star has been rising fast on the back of performances in shows such as ‘Normal People’ and movies including ‘Aftersun’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’ is solid as Lucius –– the grown up version of the young character we met in the original.
He’s suitably fiery in the role, driven by rage and vengeance, but a measured leader of men much like Crowe, and indeed a very similar character. While Lucius is perhaps not as memorable as Maximus (partly because he’s a similar well-used heroic type), Mescal entirely convincing in the role and very able in the fight scenes.
Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
If there is a standout in this film, it’s Washington, who steals every scene he so much as wanders into and eats scenery like it’s a fine steak dinner. Macrinus is an excellent fit for the actor, and between his superb outfits and wily attitude, he seems certain to be in consideration for a supporting actor Oscar this year.
Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Taking on the sneery ruler role (the original film’s version was Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix), Quinn and Hechinger make a great double act. Pasty-faced and cruel, they bring different shades to the twin emperors.
Quinn is, initially at least, the more ambitious of the pair, with little regard for the people. But it’s Hechinger who ends up making the bigger impact with his combo of Salacious Crumb-style cackles while watching gladiators fight and his monkey sidekick (another scene-stealer).
Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Nielsen reprises her role as Lucius’ mother, here given more depth since the grown version of her son is bitter and resentful since she packed him off to Africa years ago to protect him. She’s just as powerful in the role in the past, even if she also has to be as passive given her position in society.
Supporting cast
Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Pedro Pascal does good work as Marcus Acacius, the general dispatched to conquer the city where Lucius is living, which brings them into each other’s orbit. There is more to him than the trailers and other publicity might suggest, and Pascal gives it his all.
And shout out to the supporting likes of Derek Jacobi (also reprising his senatorial role from the original) and Peter Mensah as the leader of the city where Lucius has been living and a commander in its army.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Scott has certainly put a lot of work into the new ‘Gladiator’ and though it occasionally falls short of his original film, with beats and the odd action scene that feel like “what if that bit from ‘Gladiator’ but with slightly different elements?” it’s still a great example of a legacy sequel.
Will you be entertained? Most certainly.
‘Gladiator II’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘Gladiator II’?
‘Gladiator II’ 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.
(L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
‘Gladiator II’ director Ridley Scott says he has ideas for a third.
There are no concrete plans just yet.
The ‘Gladiator’ sequel launches in theaters in November.
Even though ‘Gladiator II’, the much-buzzed about sequel to his 2000 epic ‘Gladiator’ is still two months away from release, director Ridley Scott is saying that he’s already throwing around ideas for a third movie, one he intends to wrap up the story as a trilogy.
And according to the filmmaker, he’s got some interesting inspiration…
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
While a third ‘Gladiator’ movie is strictly at the discussion stage right now, Scott told France’s Premiere magazine that he’s considering ideas for it.
Here’s what Scott had to say:
“I’m already playing with the idea of ‘Gladiator III’ “No, seriously! I lit the fuse… The ending of ‘Gladiator II’ evokes that of ‘The Godfather,’ with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want and wondering, ‘And now, Father, What am I doing?’ So, the next film will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”
That concept points to a return for Paul Mescal, who plays main character Lucius (more on that below).
In a follow-up interview with the magazine, the actor admitted that he’d spoken to Scott about a potential next outing.
This is what Mescal had to say:
“Yes, Ridley spoke to me about it, but only yesterday! So I’m waiting to see what will happen, but it interests me, of course. But we must not rush anything: the story must hold together.”
Whether it interests Mescal or not is only part of the issue here; ‘Gladiator II’ is a big, expensive bet by Paramount (to the tune of, according to different reports, of between $200 and $300 million), so it will need to make some serious profit to trigger spending on another sequel.
But let’s be honest here, if any director can wrangle studios to his will, it’s Scott.
What’s the story of ‘Gladiator II’?
Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
Scott’s sequel is set decades after the original film. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) dispatched Lucius (who in adult form is played by ‘Normal People’ and ‘Aftersun’s Mescal) to the African region of Numidia, where he has grown up feeling resentful of his mother for sending him away.
Her reasons were to secure his safety –– Numidia is beyond the grasp of Rome. But as Lucius has raised his own family, his relatively safety is put under threat when Rome decides to invade Numidia.
Returned to his birthplace as a slave and then a gladiator, Lucius must confront his past and secure his future.
Who else is in ‘Gladiator II’
Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
The movie also features Pedro Pascal as Acacius, the Roman General who leads the assault on Numidia, and who ends up clashing with Lucius back in Rome –– oh, and he’s also in love with Lucilla.
Denzel Washington, who worked with Scott on ‘American Gangster’, is Macrinus, an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, including wine and oil and makes steel, spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. He is a very wealthy man who rides a golden chariot.
Then we have Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla and Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta, two relatively young brothers who rule the crumbling Roman Empire and are described as damaged goods from birth, cruel and vain.
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When will ‘Gladiator II’ be in theaters?
‘Gladiator II’ is scheduled for release on November 22nd.
Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
