Almost 25 years after the release of the monumental “Gladiator” in cinemas, its sequel is seriously taking shape. After his film “Napoleon”, Ridley Scott will therefore return to ancient Rome, and it seems that he has finally found a worthy successor to Russell Crowe!
Gladiator 2 advance
He does not plan to retire soon. At more than 85 years old, Ridley Scott will give a sequel to his great peplum, Gladiator ! Currently in post-production of his film Napoleon, with Joaquin Phoenix in the title role and Vanessa Kirby in that of Empress Josephine, his next project should therefore be the production of this new story in sand, blood and sweat. arenas of ancient Rome.
For the writing of its plot, it is Ridley Scott himself and David Scarpa (All the money in the world) who are on task. Gladiator 2 will be the sequel to Gladiator and will focus on Lucius’ fate (Spencer Treat Clark), son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and grandson of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), several decades after the death of Maximus (Russell Crowe). And to embody Lucius as an adult, it would seem that Ridley Scott has found his actor !
Paul Mescal following Russell Crowe
It is indeed the Irish actor Paul Mescal who is about to obtain the role, at the end of a casting where he would have taken over especially on Austin Butler and Miles Teller. 26-year-old Paul Mescal first revealed himself in 2020 in the series Normal People. His role in it earned him a BAFTA and other accolades, before a highly acclaimed big-screen debut in The Lost Daughter by Maggie Gyllenhaal in 2021. 2022 is already the confirmation with his role as father in aftersun by Charlotte Wells.
Honoring the legacy of the 2000 film and its lead actor Russell Crowe promises to be a daunting task, as the film’s reputation is overwhelming. But with Ridley Scott writing, producing and no doubt directing, there is hope. Paul Mescal has already proven his talent, and could well embody a new charismatic “Gladiator”. However, you will have to be patient, pre-production has only just started.
