Gladiator 2 is finally set to hit cinema screens this year, and it could be a massive blockbuster. Fans of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator have been crying out for a sequel since that was released in 2000, and it’s finally on the way.
A lot has changed in the entertainment industry in the years since the Russell Crowe-led epic hit cinemas. Now, streaming services have brought about a new marketing model where spinoffs can help add to the success of a franchise. There’s a chance that Gladiator 2 could be part of a wider universe if the new picture is successful.
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Gladiator Has Already Been Adapted Into Casino Games
Despite being released a long time before the streaming age, Gladiator has shown its franchise potential. Indeed, the Gladiator slot game is one of the top fun online slot machine games, and has been popular among players for years. The game uses the movie’s iconic imagery and logo, and instantly attracts people who enjoyed the picture.
The online casino industry is booming now and is an excellent way for franchises to widen their reach. Various television shows have branched out into slots, and this has boosted their viewing figures. Narcos on Netflix was a prime example of this, and the related slot game may have helped draw more viewers to the show. The same thing could easily be done for Gladiator 2, with an official slot game likely to be beneficial to marketing efforts.
Current Marketing Model Involves Television Spinoffs
It could be argued that, if Gladiator 2 is to be up there with the greatest blockbusters of our time, it needs to branch out into spinoffs. There’s potential for a Roman universe based around Scott’s characters, and television shows could cover a variety of threads.
This has been done with countless recent films, with Peacemaker released after Suicide Squad and The Penguin set to follow The Batman. HBO Max is one of the best places for this, and it seems that the streaming service is trying to take advantage of this model.
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A Gladiator 2 spinoff wouldn’t look out of place on HBO Max, where there is plenty of epic content such as Game of Thrones. This could be the perfect opportunity to bring Crowe’s character back in a prequel series.
Gladiator 2 Likely to be a Cultural Sensation
Even if Gladiator 2 doesn’t branch out into a wider franchise, it still has the potential to be a cultural sensation. The effects of the original were seen for years after its release, with numerous Hollywood offerings like Troy and Alexander emerging in its wake.
Scott’s new movie will continue the story from the original, and its all-star cast will be a major draw for viewers. It has a much higher budget than the first film as well, meaning that the battle scenes could be even more incredible.
In the age of the television spinoff, there’s a strong chance that Gladiator 2 will lead to related series. If the movie gets enough attention, it may make sense to milk the franchise as much as possible.
