While its release is just around the corner, early reviews have begun to roll in for Gladiator II. So far, the early consensus is leaning heavily towards positive. Gladiator II follows in the footsteps of the original film 24 years ago. The first Gladiator saw Russell Crowe play Maximus, a general highly trusted by the ruling Emperor. But in the wake of his death, his successor strips Maximus of his title, forcing him to flee and take up arms as a gladiator.