The first trailer for Gladiator 2 has recently been released, and the digital Colosseum is already buzzing with differing opinions as Ridley Scott’s film promises to be a thundering spectacle.

The upcoming movie will not feature Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, who died at the end of the previous installment. Rather, it will carry on Maximus’ legacy and concentrate on Paul Mescal’s Lucius Verus. Along with popular actor Pedro Pascal and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, the sequel will also star Joseph Quinn.

Paul Mescal in Gladiator II / Paramount Pictures

Yet, despite the smorgasbord of sensational battles fit, there’s a discordant note in the symphony of chaos—a rap anthem by Jay-Z and Ye, No Church in the Wild—that sticks out like a sore thumb in ancient Rome.

Gladiator 2: Will Ridley Scott’s One Decision Sink This Sequel?

Few trailers can stir the pot...