“Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 3 Update Sparks Concerns Similar to Kevin Costner’s Horizon Misstep”
Ridley Scott’s Hint at Gladiator III Sparks Concerns Among Fans
Ridley Scott’s recent suggestion of a third installment in his iconic Gladiator series has left fans anxious. With the sequel to his Oscar-winning film set to premiere on November 22, anticipation is high. However, Scott’s mention of ideas for a potential third film echoes fears of a similar fate to Kevin Costner’s Horizon saga.
Costner had ambitious plans for his Western project, Horizon, initially announcing four parts. The first chapter, released in June, turned out to be a box office disappointment, grossing only $34 million against its $50 million budget and receiving a mediocre Rotten Tomatoes score of 50%. Despite this setback, Costner remains committed to completing the series.
In contrast, Scott’s Gladiator II, featuring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, is generating excitement, especially as it follows the legacy of Russell Crowe’s original film. Scott has expressed confidence in the new installment, promising a remarkable experience, particularly after the lukewarm reception of his recent film, Napoleon. During CinemaCon, he even hinted that the sequel could surpass the original.
However, his comments about a potential Gladiator III have raised eyebrows. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Scott revealed he’d prefer to pursue a third film rather than shift to other projects, stating, “I’d rather get on into Gladiator III. There’s already an idea.” He mentioned drawing inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather II, which weaves together parallel stories of character development.
Interestingly, this thematic approach mirrors plans for Roland Emmerich’s series, Those About to Die, which is also taking cues from Coppola’s work. Given Costner’s struggles with Horizon, fans are wary that Scott’s ambition might lead him down a similar path.
Costner’s Horizon project faced significant delays due to writer strikes, and while production of the third film began in May 2024, the first film’s poor reception casts doubt on the financial viability of continuing the saga. Movie enthusiasts have expressed concern over the decision-making surrounding Costner’s investment in the remaining films.
Fans of Gladiator are hopeful that Scott will focus on promoting Gladiator II and evaluate its box office performance before diving into a third installment. With Gladiator II set for release soon and Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 on the horizon, audiences are watching closely to see how these ambitious projects unfold.
