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Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film
The official behind-the-scenes companion to Sir Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel to Gladiator
This definitive volume takes readers deep into the extraordinary production of Gladiator II. Exploring the revolutionary special effects and breathtaking artistry that went into re-creating the grandeur of ancient Rome on a truly epic scale, Gladiator The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film features storyboards, unit photography, concept art, character and costume sketches, and an array of props and ephemera, offering a comprehensive look at the creative process behind one of the most eagerly awaited sequels of our time.
With a foreword by Sir Ridley Scott and exclusive interviews with the cast—including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and more—as well as insights from production designers, armorers, and the visual effects team, the book grants an insider’s look at this cinematic epic and is an essential companion to the film.
This definitive volume takes readers deep into the extraordinary production of Gladiator II. Exploring the revolutionary special effects and breathtaking artistry that went into re-creating the grandeur of ancient Rome on a truly epic scale, Gladiator The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film features storyboards, unit photography, concept art, character and costume sketches, and an array of props and ephemera, offering a comprehensive look at the creative process behind one of the most eagerly awaited sequels of our time.
With a foreword by Sir Ridley Scott and exclusive interviews with the cast—including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and more—as well as insights from production designers, armorers, and the visual effects team, the book grants an insider’s look at this cinematic epic and is an essential companion to the film.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 18, 2025
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About the author
John Walsh
9 books46 followersJohn Walsh is a double BAFTA and double Grierson-nominated filmmaker, best-selling author and founder of Walsh Bros Ltd, one of the UK’s top 100 production companies.
John met Ray Harryhausen as a film student to make a documentary about his life and work. Today, John is a Trustee of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation and, in 2021, founded the Harryhausen Awards.
His books include Harryhausen The Lost Movies and his acclaimed non-fiction Official Story of the Film series with titles on Flash Gordon, Escape From New York and Dr Who & The Daleks. All four Rondo Award Nominees for “Book of the Year”. 2023 saw the release of Conan The Barbarian, and The Wicker Man. 2024 saw the publication of The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film, celebrating the 75th anniversary of “The best British film of all time.” New book in 2025, Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film.
John's notable film and television work includes the historical feature film Monarch, restored and remastered after John tracked down the original 35mm camera negative in a film vault and was the subject of a BBC News story about lost films and is now available on Prime Video.
ToryBoy The Movie was nominated for the Grierson Award for “Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme.” The film unlocked politics to a broad audience and is Britain’s most successful political documentary feature film. It is now available on Prime Video.
John’s landmark Grierson-nominated homeless series Headhunting The Homeless for BBC2 lifted the lid on the corporate world and today’s most vulnerable adults. Sofa Surfers for the BBC was television’s first homeless series for children and was Rose d'Or nominated. The BAFTA-nominated Don’t Make Me Angry brought clinical psychology into the home environment for the first time. All programmes can be viewed in full on the Walsh Bros YouTube Channel.
John met Ray Harryhausen as a film student to make a documentary about his life and work. Today, John is a Trustee of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation and, in 2021, founded the Harryhausen Awards.
His books include Harryhausen The Lost Movies and his acclaimed non-fiction Official Story of the Film series with titles on Flash Gordon, Escape From New York and Dr Who & The Daleks. All four Rondo Award Nominees for “Book of the Year”. 2023 saw the release of Conan The Barbarian, and The Wicker Man. 2024 saw the publication of The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film, celebrating the 75th anniversary of “The best British film of all time.” New book in 2025, Gladiator II: The Art and Making of the Ridley Scott Film.
John's notable film and television work includes the historical feature film Monarch, restored and remastered after John tracked down the original 35mm camera negative in a film vault and was the subject of a BBC News story about lost films and is now available on Prime Video.
ToryBoy The Movie was nominated for the Grierson Award for “Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme.” The film unlocked politics to a broad audience and is Britain’s most successful political documentary feature film. It is now available on Prime Video.
John’s landmark Grierson-nominated homeless series Headhunting The Homeless for BBC2 lifted the lid on the corporate world and today’s most vulnerable adults. Sofa Surfers for the BBC was television’s first homeless series for children and was Rose d'Or nominated. The BAFTA-nominated Don’t Make Me Angry brought clinical psychology into the home environment for the first time. All programmes can be viewed in full on the Walsh Bros YouTube Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 5, 2025
Gladiator II: the art and making of the Ridley Scott Film
el escritor y cineasta John Walsh vuelve a demostrar su talento para explorar los mundos visuales del cine épico. Tras el éxito de su libro dedicado a Conan el Bárbaro, donde ya dejaba claro su respeto por las producciones legendarias, Walsh se sumerge esta vez en el universo de Ridley Scott con la misma pasión y detalle.
La obra es un recorrido visual y narrativo por todo lo que rodea la creación de Gladiator II: bocetos, arte conceptual, diseño de producción, vestuario y efectos. Cada imagen está acompañada por información útil y comentarios que enriquecen la experiencia, sin caer en tecnicismos innecesarios. El lector no solo ve cómo se hizo la película, sino que comprende el enorme trabajo detrás de cada escena.
John Walsh escribe con claridad y respeto por el cine, y eso se nota. Este libro no es solo para fans de la saga, sino también para quienes disfrutan del arte detrás de las cámaras.
el escritor y cineasta John Walsh vuelve a demostrar su talento para explorar los mundos visuales del cine épico. Tras el éxito de su libro dedicado a Conan el Bárbaro, donde ya dejaba claro su respeto por las producciones legendarias, Walsh se sumerge esta vez en el universo de Ridley Scott con la misma pasión y detalle.
La obra es un recorrido visual y narrativo por todo lo que rodea la creación de Gladiator II: bocetos, arte conceptual, diseño de producción, vestuario y efectos. Cada imagen está acompañada por información útil y comentarios que enriquecen la experiencia, sin caer en tecnicismos innecesarios. El lector no solo ve cómo se hizo la película, sino que comprende el enorme trabajo detrás de cada escena.
John Walsh escribe con claridad y respeto por el cine, y eso se nota. Este libro no es solo para fans de la saga, sino también para quienes disfrutan del arte detrás de las cámaras.
April 14, 2025
Echoes In Time. I was delighted to finally get my hands on this book about the making of Gladiator II. I loved this film and have read everything since I first heard about it. John Walsh’s new book has opened my mind to the immense scale of this film by Ridley Scott, my favourite film director. From pin-sharp HD photography of all aspects of the making of this film and access to everyone involved, this is the definitive making-of book on the film. It might also be one of the best behind-the-scenes books ever written. The book is a statement piece and will be on my coffee table for some time. I am heading back to the movie after being schooled by Walsh.
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January 28, 2025abrams book
April 9, 2025
A Gift from the Gods. I have read many behind-the-scenes books on major and smaller films. This Ridley Scott epic is justly presented in what can only be described as an epic book. It is shaped like and weighs the same as a slice of Roman marble from the Coliseum. Author John Walsh has once again delved deep into the story here to provide both a casual reader and an industry insider with the right level of text and visuals. Walsh’s writing style is accessible and forensic, much like that of a crime scene investigator. Great interviews and insights match the magnificent photography. Without wishing to reveal any spoilers, this tome discloses what could have been in a fascinating chapter entitled " The Road to Rome. " This section could have made a book in itself—a gem.
April 8, 2025
This Does Entertain You!
John Walsh’s new behind-the-scenes book is a fabulous treasure trove of images, interviews, artwork, and more from Ridley Scott’s magnum opus, Gladiator II. This large-format art book suits a film of this stature, and Walsh has excelled here. Every aspect of this epic undertaking is examined, making me rush back to watch the movie again as soon as I put this book down.
John Walsh’s new behind-the-scenes book is a fabulous treasure trove of images, interviews, artwork, and more from Ridley Scott’s magnum opus, Gladiator II. This large-format art book suits a film of this stature, and Walsh has excelled here. Every aspect of this epic undertaking is examined, making me rush back to watch the movie again as soon as I put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews