Gladiator was a huge hit in its day. It was that rare film that was both a massive blockbuster, bringing in $465 million worldwide in 2000, and an awards darling, winning multiple Oscars including Best Actor and Best Picture.

"No, seriously! I’ve lit the fuse,” Scott told the outlet. “The ending of Gladiator II is reminiscent of The Godfather, with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want and wondering, ‘Now, Father, what do I do?‘ So the next [film] will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”

Despite Ridley Scott's previous comments, Gladiator 3 is far from a sure thing ahead of the release of Gladiator 2.

Gladiator II had its first screening Friday night, and early reactions have made their way to social media. The sequel to the 2000 film was screened at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, where media outlets and film critics got a first look at the movie starring Denzel Washington ,

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!’

Exclusive: Ridley Scott, Connie Nielsen, and Fred Hechinger take us inside Gladiator II, an Ancient Rome spectacle like no other—and one that holds up a mirror to right now.

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at the rigorous training for Ridley Scott's highly anticipated Gladiator II, featuring an all-star cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.

After the special screening of Gladiator II, social media was flooded with praise for Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel. Critics applauded the movie for its epic scope, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances.