Gladiator II review – Paul Mescal fends off sharks, rhinos and a scenery-chewing Denzel Washington

Tapping into just the kind of bloodlust that thrilled in ancient Rome, Ridley Scott’s violent, spectacular sequel so resembles the original it could be a remake

‘I’ve had a wild, chaotic, beautiful life’: Rebecca Hall on race, regrets and learning to be herself

Actor and director Rebecca Hall has always had to fight to define herself. Now, more comfortable than ever with where she is, she opens up about painting, working with Woody Allen, her BYO wedding – and her greatest indulgence

Rebecca Hall: I regret apologising for working with Woody Allen

The British film star issued a statement after accusations were made against the director but now says ‘I don’t think it’s the responsibility of his actors to speak to that situation’

The week in audio: Make Me a Mixtape; 16 Sunsets; Cinematic Soundtracks; How to Play – review

Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens return with more bespoke celebrity playlists; a new space shuttle podcast goes into orbit; Radio 3’s spin-off station takes unwinding to the next level. Plus, the ins and outs of Holst’s Planets

Saoirse Ronan ‘absolutely right’ about women’s safety fears, says Gladiator combat trainer

Paul Biddiss, who trained Paul Mescal and Day of the Jackal star Eddie Redmayne, says streetwise women are more aware of surveillance and harder to follow

On my radar: Peter Biskind’s cultural highlights

The film historian and cultural critic on his love of Gentleman Jack, why blueberries from Maine are superior, and how Tana French’s crime novels transcend genre

Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat review – superb study of how jazz got caught between the cold war and the CIA

Johan Grimonprez’s fascinating documentary uses the assassination of DRC prime minister Patrice Lumumba to launch a dizzying look into the politics of jazz in the 1950s and 60s

Disneyland debuts its first ride to celebrate a Black princess: ‘It’s about time’

Disney ‘rethemed’ Splash Mountain, the log-flume ride inspired by a racist 1946 film, into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Asim Chaudhry: ‘Being ignored as a child was a weird blessing’

The actor, 37, talks about his parents’ divorce, couples therapy and speaking with Richard Curtis on WhatsApp

When historians and directors clash: ‘Ridley Scott was Napoleonic – there was no doubt who was in charge’

Film and TV have a slippery relationship with the truth when it comes to historical epics. So spare a thought for the historical experts whose advice often goes unheeded

Streaming: Thelma and the best films about old-age rebellion

June Squibb’s star turn as a ninetysomething gran, scammed and out for justice, joins a club of indomitable seniors in the movies, from Anne Reid to Jack Nicholson

Gladiator II: battles, baboons, Mescal and Denzel – discuss with spoilers

Ridley Scott’s sequel is certainly long awaited, but does it match up to the original, who will get an Oscar nod, what’s in a kiss and were you not entertained?

From Gladiator II to Gwen Stefani: a complete guide to this week’s entertainment in the UK

An all-star return to ancient Rome, and eclectic new sounds from the No Doubt singer

The Guide #165: How Paddington affected a quiet takeover of the cultural landscape

In this week’s newsletter: The much-loved bear’s revival as a refugee not just from Peru but from a more genteel age was a genius move. Can he survive in a culture of throwaway children’s films?

Post your questions for Billy Bob Thornton

The Oscar-winning actor, writer, director, musician and star of Bad Santa, Armageddon and The Man Who Wasn’t There is ready to answer your questions