Ridley Scott To Direct 'Gladiator' Sequel With Paul Mescal

[Outsiders]

Deadline is reporting that Ridley Scott wants to return and continue the story of his blockbuster epic Gladiator, and Normal People star Paul Mescal is in negotiations to lead the sequel, with Scott returning as the director.

Scott will produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss, and Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. David Scarpa penned the script.  Returning from the original production are Janty Yates (Costume Designer) and Arthur Max (Production Designer).

The role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, was a career-changer for Russell Crowe, but Mescal won’t be replacing Crowe’s Maximus, whose character met his end in the original film.  Mescal will be playing Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who now is a grown man as the story takes place years after the first film ended. Lucius was also the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius who murdered his father seized the throne, and wound up in the gladiator ring with Maximus — who, though mortally wounded, skewered the emperor before fading into the great beyond to reunite with his slain wife and son. Maximus saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, and left a strong impression on the young Lucius.

[Reno]

Why?!? As a general rule, if a movie has been out for more than 10 years it probably doesn't need a direct sequel. Why not just do an original film with no tie to the first? Of course I've vowed to never watch another Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino or Martin Scorsese project ever again due to their commentary on comic book movies and the MCU in particular, so I guess that it doesn't really impact me anyway.

[ucsf]

46 minutes ago, Reno said:

Why?!? As a general rule, if a movie has been out for more than 10 years it probably doesn't need a direct sequel. Why not just do an original film with no tie to the first? Of course I've vowed to never watch another Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino or Martin Scorsese project ever again due to their commentary on comic book movies and the MCU in particular, so I guess that it doesn't really impact me anyway.

Sure, but remember that losing rights to a license hurts more, so it's a more devastating leap if you don't do anything with the franchise than do a forgettable sequel/remake/whatever. Probably it was near expiration when others could get the rights period.

[Outsiders]

Sources from within have informed Deadline that after 16 years, Denzel Washington might be reuniting with Ridley Scott and is in final negotiations to co-star in Scott’s sequel to his Oscar Best Picture winner Gladiator for Paramount.  Washington and Scott last worked together on the crime drama American Gangster.

Washington’s role is being kept under wraps.

[hainrs]

On 1/6/2023 at 4:22 PM, Reno said:

Of course I've vowed to never watch another Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino or Martin Scorsese project ever again due to their commentary on comic book movies and the MCU in particular, so I guess that it doesn't really impact me anyway.

This has to be the  saddest thing thing I've read all week. For f***'s sake. And, to hell with the MCU. It's turned into pure garbage, so it deserves any disrespect it has thrown at it.

[Satam]

Let's keep this discussion on topic, folks.

[kILLMonger]

There are some VERY interesting ways this could go with Washington in a role.  Given the star power and gravitas he always brings to roles....he's not going to be a background character.  I'm here for it.  

[Outsiders]

Sources from within have informed Deadline that 'The Last Of Us' and 'The Mandalorian' star Pedro Pascal is in final negotiations to join the untitled Gladiator sequel for Paramount.  Pascal will be joining Paul Mescal, who will star as Lucius, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.

Ridley Scott is returning to direct and produce from a script by David Scarpa.  Scott Free President Michael Pruss as well as Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment will also be producing.  Also returning from the original film are John Mathieson (Director of Photography), Arthur Max (Production Designer), and Janty Yates (Costume Designer).

Paramount Pictures has the movie scheduled for a November 22nd, 2024 release.

[Admiralty_Entertainment]

As a general 'film set during the era of the Roman Empire', there's potential for an interesting story, Scott is a great director (if not always consistent) and Denzel is a great actor, so I don't doubt it could well be a very good film. Just please keep the 'Gladiator II' name far, *far* away from it so it can stand on it's own...

[Outsiders]

Paramount has picked up May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas for their untitled Gladiator sequel.  In talks to join the cast is Fred Hechinger, who is in negotiations to play Emperor Geta.  Barry Keoghan was in talks to play Geta, but due to scheduling conflicts, was forced to fall out of the project.

Derek Jacobi is returning from the original, reprising his role as Gracchus.  Connie Nielsen will be reprising her role as Lucilla.

Source: Deadline

[BigGMonsterMan]

Gladiator - The Next Generation

Not sure if it needs a sequel.  That said, Matt Lucas?  I may have to see it....

[Satam]

Didn't see that Peter Mensah joined the cast. Now it's not just a Gladiator sequel but almost a Spartacus sequel, too.