Gladiator fans were intrigued when Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan was announced to join the sequel . However, the euphoria didn’t last long before the Eternals star dropped out of the project to film the drama Bird . After quitting Gladiator 2 , the Barry Keoghan-led film finally arrived with 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, the drama soon fell off. The drama made a rousing debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics responded to the Andrea Arnold-directed film with glowing reviews with GQ understanding why Keoghan left the blockbuster sequel for the smaller film.
So the score scored the elusive certified fresh from reviewers. Unfortunately, the high score didn’t last long as its Rotten Tomatoes score fell to 73 percent. This can be chalked up to more film critics having seen the movie or finally publishing their critiques.
According to Digital Spy , the film now has a mixed reception from reviewers. Critics heaped endless praise onto the Saltburn actor’s performance following Bird ’s Cannes premiere. However, the follow-up consensus pinpointed the film’s flaws squarely on Andrea Arnold’s direction and the screenplay.
Some felt both components didn’t live up to its leading actor’s powerful performance. The film’s current reception contrasts with its good press at the French film festival. That doesn’t mean Keoghan made a mistake choosing the indie drama over the Gladiator sequel.
Maybe the role will translate into another fun awards season for the risi.
