The ‘American Gangster’ star joins the ‘Normal People’ actor, who plays Lucius, a boy saved by Maximus in the first film, in the Paramount production directed by Ridley Scott.
Another challenger enters the arena! After 23 years, Gladiator is finally getting a sequel. Ridley Scott will return to direct a script from David Scarpa (The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Last Castle).
Paul Mescal (Normal People) will lead the sequel as Lucius, while, according to Deadline, Denzel Washington will co-star in an undisclosed role. The sequel follows a grown-up Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), as well as nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius. Maximus, the eponymous gladiator played by Russell Crowe, saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, leaving a strong impression on the child.
Also returning from the original film are costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max. While the sequel will be a Paramount production, previous studio Universal has the right to partner again when the project is wrapped.
Scott will produce with Scott Free President Michael Pruss, as well as Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher for Red Wagon Entertainment. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will executive produce.
A release date for Gladiator 2 has not yet been announced.
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