It’s been 25 years since Sir Ridley Scott directed Russell Crowe in Gladiator, the Roman epic now considered one of the greatest films ever made.

The blockbuster won Best Picture and Best Actor Oscars, among other awards, and arguably had a perfect ending.

Naturally, when a sequel was announced, fans were concerned.

But now such fears look like they can be dispelled after the glowing first reactions to Gladiator 2, which follows Lucius from the first film all grown up and fighting in the…