The REAL Reason This Movie is Driving R@CISTS Crazy : Gladiator II [Reaction]

Summary

The *Gladiator 2* trailer has sparked widespread backlash, primarily due to the casting of Denzel Washington in a Roman role, the use of Jay-Z's rap song *No Church in the Wild*, and general dissatisfaction with the sequel. Critics argue that the film inaccurately portrays ancient Rome by casting a black actor, assuming Rome was a homogenous white society. However, historical evidence shows Rome was a multiethnic empire. The controversy reflects deeper racial biases and misconceptions about ancient history, challenging modern views of race and representation in Hollywood.

Takeaways

• 😀 The release of *Gladiator 2* trailer sparked massive backlash, with over 143,000 dislikes on YouTube, reflecting fan dissatisfaction.
• 😀 Critics primarily objected to the casting of Denzel Washington as a significant character, perceiving it as historically inaccurate and an example of 'blackwashing.'
• 😀 A central controversy arises from the perception that ancient Rome was a homogenous, white civilization, which critics believe conflicts with modern depictions of diverse characters.
• 😀 The film's use of rap music, particularly Kanye West and Jay-Z's 'No Church in the Wild,' was criticized for seeming out of place in an ancient Roman epic.
• 😀 Supporters of the music choice argue that the themes of the rap song—corruption, power, and societal upheaval—align with the story of *Gladiator 2*, making it a fitting selection for the trailer.
• 😀 The film's existence itself has drawn criticism, with some fans claiming that a *Gladiator* sequel was unnecessary and risks tarnishing the legacy of the original film.
• 😀 Ancient Rome is historically known to be a diverse empire, with people from Africa, the Middle East, and northern Europe contributing to its population and culture.
• 😀 The casting of black actors, including Denzel Washington, in roles set in ancient Rome challenges the common narrative of Rome as a white, European-only civilization.
• 😀 The portrayal of black figures in ancient Rome, including Emperor Macrinus, is historically accurate and reflects the diversity of the Roman Empire.
• 😀 Critics who advocate for using rock music in the trailer, arguing it better suits ancient Rome, overlook the fact that both rap and rock music have roots in African American culture, challenging racial biases in music genres.

Q & A

Why did the *Gladiator 2* trailer receive backlash from fans?

The backlash stemmed from several factors, primarily the casting of Denzel Washington and the use of a rap song, 'No Church in the Wild,' in the trailer. Critics felt that these elements were out of place in a film set in ancient Rome, with some accusing Hollywood of pushing 'woke culture' by featuring a Black actor in a significant role and using rap music, which they saw as incongruent with the Roman setting.

What was the controversy surrounding the casting of Denzel Washington in *Gladiator 2*?

The controversy revolved around the belief that ancient Rome was an exclusively white civilization, with critics arguing that Black people, particularly Black actors, did not belong in such roles. Washington plays a significant character, possibly a Roman emperor, which led some viewers to question the accuracy of portraying Black actors in such historical roles.

Why did some fans object to the use of rap music in the *Gladiator 2* trailer?

Fans objected to the use of rap music, particularly 'No Church in the Wild' by Kanye West and Jay-Z, as they felt it was anachronistic and out of place in a film about ancient Rome. Critics believed that rap music, which is often associated with Black culture, didn't fit the tone or setting of a historical epic like *Gladiator 2*.

How does the music choice in the trailer relate to the themes of the film?

Despite the controversy, the music choice actually aligns with the themes of the film. 'No Church in the Wild' explores concepts of power, corruption, and rebellion, themes that are central to the *Gladiator* story. The lyrics of the song, such as 'What’s a king to a god?' reflect the power struggles and chaos likely to be seen in the movie, making it a fitting choice for the trailer, despite its modern genre.

What does the backlash reveal about modern views on race and history?

The backlash highlights a tendency to view historical civilizations like ancient Rome through a modern, racially exclusive lens. Critics of the trailer seem to equate ancient Rome with a 'white' identity, disregarding the multiethnic nature of the empire. The debate underscores ongoing issues of racial identity and cultural appropriation in media.

Was ancient Rome truly a homogenous, white civilization?

No, ancient Rome was not a homogenous, white civilization. It was a multiethnic empire with people from diverse backgrounds, including North Africans, Middle Easterners, and people from various parts of Europe. The Roman Empire was vast and included numerous ethnicities and cultures, making it historically inaccurate to portray it as a purely white society.

Can you provide an example of Black individuals in ancient Rome?

Yes, a notable example is Emperor Macrinus, who was of African (specifically North African) descent. He ruled as the Roman emperor for a brief period in the 3rd century. His existence challenges the idea that Black individuals had no significant role in ancient Roman society.

How does the casting of Denzel Washington fit into the historical reality of ancient Rome?

The casting of Denzel Washington is historically accurate, as there were indeed Black and mixed-heritage individuals in ancient Rome. For instance, Emperor Macrinus, from what is now Algeria, was of Berber origins. The portrayal of a Black actor in a powerful Roman role reflects the diversity of the empire during that time.

What was the significance of the 2022 genetic research on Pompeii remains?

In 2022, genetic research on remains from Pompeii revealed that one individual from the ancient city had African ancestry. This finding challenges the notion that ancient Rome was solely white and underscores the diverse nature of Roman society, with people of African descent living and contributing to Roman life.

What does the debate over the *Gladiator 2* trailer say about modern identity politics?

The debate reflects modern concerns with identity politics, particularly around race and historical representation. Some viewers feel that historical accuracy should match their contemporary view of race, while others argue that media should reflect the true diversity of history. The debate also touches on how cultural appropriation and 'blackwashing' in films are perceived in today's socio-political climate.