The first set of reactions to Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal's highly-anticipated Gladiator II are here. Critics are seemingly impressed with the Ridley Scott directorial.

Emmy-nominated producer and entertainment journalist Scott Mantz added: ‘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!’

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.

Ridley Scott may not have been present for the first major screening of “Gladiator II” on Friday night on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles, but the 86-year-old director was the favorite topic of conversation for stars Paul Mescal,

Paul Mescal was "s*******" himself on the first day of 'Gladiator II' filming but director Sir Ridley Scott soon put paid to his nerves.

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

Saoirse Ronan turned out to support her pal Paul Mescal as his new movie – the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel – was screened for the first time in LA. The Irish stars have been firm friends since they starred alongside eachother in psychological thriller Foe and partied together at Glastonbury during the summer.