Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2” is getting a high-profile cast addition: Denzel Washington is to play a role in the sequel to the 2000 film. This is known so far.
- Denzel Washington is to play a role in “Gladiator 2”.
- Already confirmed is Paul Mescal, who will slip into the role of Lucius.
- Hollywood legend Ridley Scott is directing again.
In 2007 they already worked together in “American Gangster”, now Hollywood icon Ridley Scott is bringing the no less iconic Denzel Washington on board for “Gladiator 2”. Washington is said to be in the final stages of negotiations for his role.
Actor Paul Mescal (“Aftersun”) is already confirmed to star alongside Washington in the sequel to the Oscar-winning film. Scott is getting back in the director’s chair for the project, but is also serving as a producer (via Deadline).
So far, however, it is not known what role Washington will take. Since Russell Crow’s character Maximus dies in the first film, he won’t appear again. Mescal will also not replace Maximus, but will play the role of Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). The latter is now an adult, since the story of the sequel will take place many years after the main action of “Gladiator”.
Lucius was also the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who killed his father Marcus Aurelius to get the throne of the Roman Empire. Commodus ended up in the gladiator ring with Maximus and was killed by him just before he himself succumbed to his injuries. Maximus saved Lucius and Lucilla during his vendetta and left a great mark on the young Lucius.
“Gladiator 2” is scheduled for release in 2024 and is being produced for Paramount. In addition to Ridley Scott, producers include Michael Pruss, Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher. Executive producers are Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. David Serpa is responsible for the screenplay
