"GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor – great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I was ENTERTAINED!" is the verdict of journalist Scott Mantz .

Early reactions to Ridley Scott's belated sequel Gladiator II have come in from across social media, but how are its initial audiences responding?

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is set to be released 24 years after the original film hit theaters, but fans of the saga might not have to wait long for its third installment.

Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here.

Will Gladiator 3 happen? Even without an official announcement, Ridley Scott is already preparing for a third Gladiator film.

Gladiator 2 might not even be out yet, and Ridley Scott might be getting quite close to his 90s, but he's already working on a script for a third one.

"Gladiator II" stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger praised Ridley Scott at its first major screening on the Paramount lot.

Mescal and costars Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger discussed Scott’s sequel at a special screening in Los Angeles on Oct. 18

Gladiator II is eliciting rave reviews ahead of its November release. Ridley Scott's highly anticipated sequel has received critical acclaim and Oscar attention for Scott and star Denzel Washington, following a special screening at the Paramount lot.

Gladiator 2 premiered in Los Angeles at a screening, and if the first reactions are any indication, then Ridley Scott has pulled off a ‘worthy’ sequel.