Nolan Reveals Which 2024 Movie Stood Out to Him

Christopher Nolan has revealed that his favorite movie of 2024 is Gladiator 2, the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic.

The film, directed by Scott with a script by David Scarpa, follows Lucius, the son of Maximus and Lucilla, as he becomes a gladiator and navigates the dangerous politics of Rome after his home is taken over by corrupt emperors. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, joined by Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, and Derek Jacobi.

Speaking to Variety about his pick for the year, Nolan praised the sequel for blending the emotional depth of the original Gladiator with the larger scale expected from a modern blockbuster. He also highlighted Scott’s skill in using spectacle to make audiences reflect on their own fascination with violence and entertainment.

“Why are there sharks in the coliseum? Because we demand them, and Scott masterfully gives them to us,” Nolan said, emphasizing how the film holds up a mirror to cultural obsessions while telling its story.

Nolan also admired the film’s action sequences and visual design. He noted that Scott balances thrilling set pieces with a clear sense of story and theme, saying that his multi-camera staging keeps the action both exciting and meaningful.

“Few filmmakers have ever worked so invisibly on multiple levels,” Nolan added, praising Scott’s ability to use visuals to enhance the narrative.

Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius, who becomes a prisoner of war and is forced to fight as a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave plotting to overthrow twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.

Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi reprise their roles from the first film, while Mescal takes over from Spencer Treat Clark as Lucius. The film was produced by Scott Free Productions and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

The sequel’s development stretches back decades, with initial discussions beginning in 2001. Production faced several delays, including a halt in development after DreamWorks was sold to Paramount in 2006 and a five-month pause due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024. Gladiator 2 premiered in Sydney on October 30, 2024, before opening in the U.K. on November 15 and in the U.S. on November 22.

The film earned generally positive reviews, though critics considered it slightly weaker than its predecessor. It grossed $462.2 million worldwide and received nominations for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, as well as a Best Costume Design nomination at the 97th Academy Awards.

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