Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, Washington has built an extraordinary career filled with iconic performances and critical acclaim.

His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, earning him global admiration. However, despite his illustrious career, Washington has not always been the first name associated with record-breaking box office success compared to some of his contemporaries.

His recent collaboration with Ridley Scott has now changed that narrative. Gladiator II has shattered expectations, becoming Washington’s highest-grossing film worldwide.

The movie has earned an impressive $320.2 million globally. This surpasses his previous record-holder, American Gangster, which grossed $267.9 million.

This milestone solidifies Gladiator II as Washington’s most financially successful film directed by Scott.

Domestically, American Gangster has maintained its position as Washington’s top-earning film for 17 years, with a domestic gross of $130.1 million.

However, this record may soon be eclipsed by Gladiator II, which has already reached $111.4 million domestically and continues to draw large audiences.

The success of Gladiator II marks a significant achievement in Washington’s career. It shows his enduring appeal and the powerful collaboration with Ridley Scott.

This box office triumph not only highlights Washington’s versatility and star power but also sets a new benchmark for future projects.

Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, anticipating how far this latest release will go in redefining the actor’s box office legacy.

Before its weekend release, Gladiator II generated significant momentum. On Wednesday, it earned ₦8.13 million, followed by ₦8.96 million on Thursday.

An advanced screening earlier in the week pulled in ₦17 million across two days, showcasing strong local anticipation. These milestones cement the film as one of 2024’s top-performing titles in Nigeria.

The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, the heroic protagonist of the original Gladiator. After ruthless Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius embraces the life of a gladiator to seek revenge and restore Rome’s glory.

The film delves into timeless themes of vengeance and redemption, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, Gladiator II has captivated Nigerian audiences. The movie’s strong local performance underscores the growing appeal of global cinema in Nigeria.

On the international stage, Gladiator II debuted with an estimated $87 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any Ridley Scott film.

This success highlights the sequel’s long-awaited arrival, nearly two decades after Gladiator premiered in 2000. The development of the sequel spanned years, with numerous script drafts considered before the final version emerged in 2018. Paul Mescal joined the cast in early 2023, solidifying the project’s momentum.

Written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig, Gladiator II was distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, delivering a cinematic masterpiece that bridges nostalgia and modern storytelling.

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