Ridley Scott has been open about his desire to direct a Gladiator sequel. Now, according to a new report, a new actor will be leading the cast of the sequel.
As revealed via Deadline, this new actor is currently in negotiations with Paramount to star in the sequel. Actor Russell Crowe led the original 2000 film as the character Maximus Decimus Meridius.
Specifically, they note that Normal People star Paul Mescal is the aforementioned actor. And he’ll be playing a rather interesting character to lead the narrative of this upcoming sequel. Here’s what was stated:
“Mescal won’t be replacing Crowe’s Maximus, whose character met his end in the original film, but instead he 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.”
Paul Mescal has been cast in Ridley Scott’s ‘GLADIATOR’ sequel. pic.twitter.com/E6gLmFug53
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 6, 2023
They further explain how the role of Lucius will tie-in with the events of the original Gladiator film:
“Lucius also was the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius, who murdered his father seized the throne. Commodus 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.”
As such, it’s important that the Gladiator sequel has the perfect star to portray Lucius. And, according to their report, Paul Mescal absolutely fits the bill. It was stated that Mescal was one of the first actors to meet with Ridley Scott after the final draft was delivered. And, furthermore, Scott continued to have Mescal in mind even after meeting with other talent. It’s expected that Mescal will follow the path of Russell Crowe, who “famously put on some serious muscle for the part.”
Hopefully we’ll have more details soon. For now, however, it seems like this Gladiator sequel is finally happening after years of development.
Ridley Scott will return to direct the sequel which was penned by David Scarpa. Scott will also produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss as well as Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. Costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max are both attached to return from their work on the original film.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.