Are you not entertained?
Ridley Scott's long-gestating Gladiator sequel has taken a major step forward, with Normal People and Aftersun star Paul Mescal tapped for the lead role.
Russell Crowe's titular warrior, Maximus Decimus Meridius, was killed off at the end of the first movie, so when it was first announced that Scott was planning a sequel to his Academy Award-winning action drama, fans were very curious about which character the story would focus on.
Now, THR has confirmed that the sequel will follow Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of the villainous Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who looked up to Maximus and helped to honor him by carrying his body after his death.
David Scarpa, who worked with Scott on All The Money In the World and the upcoming Napoleon Bonaparte movie, is currently working on the script. Scott will also produce with Michael Pruss via Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.
Irish actor Mescal made a splash thanks to his role in Hulu series Normal People, which earned him a BAFTA award and an Emmy nomination. More recently, he starred in Charlotte Wells’ Cannes entry Aftersun, for which he''s been tipped for a Best Actor Academy Award nomination.
This was reportedly a highly-sought after part, with the likes of Miles Teller, Austin Butler, Richard Madden, and Timothée Chalamet either meeting with Scott or auditioning. Mescal was said to be the legendary director's first choice, however.
What do you guys make of this news? Any interest in a Gladiator sequel without the Gladiator? Drop us a comment down below?
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.