Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has achieved the highest international opening weekend earnings of his career, collecting $87 million across 63 territories ahead of its US, Canadian, and Chinese release this Friday.
The film performed strongly in the UK, earning $11.4 million from 722 locations, and in France, where it garnered $10.3 million from 729 venues. Despite these numbers, Gladiator II fell short of Dune: Part Two, which opened internationally in February with $97 million, and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 ($140 million). Disney’s Deadpool & Wolverine also outpaced it, securing $233 million during the same timeframe.
However, the sequel outperformed other recent releases, including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga ($30 million) and The Fall Guy, which starred Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt ($36.7 million).
The film’s promotional efforts included a global press tour, concluding with a special screening in London attended by King Charles III. Additionally, partnerships with international brands amplified its reach, featuring collaborations with Rome’s public transport system, Mexican biscuit makers, and German bank VR. In Australia, dessert chain Oliver Brown launched an Emperor’s Collection of pistachio-themed treats, while France’s French Coffee Shop introduced a Gladiator-inspired salted caramel latte.
Scheduled for US release alongside the musical Wicked, Gladiator II is expected to spark a competitive box office race, reminiscent of the Barbenheimer phenomenon earlier this year. The film is seen as a potential box-office savior in a year marked by underperforming releases such as Venom: The Last Dance and Red One.
