- Gladiator 2, featuring Paul Mescal as the adult Lucius, has faced delays due to struggles with developing a compelling script.
- Denzel Washington joins the cast and will portray a wealthy character with a grudge against his oppressors.
- Ridley Scott is also working on the historical drama Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix, which may have an extended director’s cut of approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Gladiator 2 is in development, with Paul Mescal taking on the role of adult Lucius. Familiar characters like Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), Juba (Djimon Hounsou), and Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) are set to return, helping guide Lucius throughout the film. The long-awaited sequel has faced delays, and during an interview with Total Film, director Ridley Scott explained that the main reason was the struggle to create a compelling script. Despite a talented writer, the project couldn’t find its footing until the team returned to a more obvious idea: focusing on the survivor, Lucius.
Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington will team up with Ridley Scott once again for Gladiator 2. Scott revealed Washington’s character as a “rich guy” harboring a grudge against his oppressors. The film will provide a backstory for the character, including his capture and branding as a slave.
In addition to Gladiator 2, Scott is also working on an upcoming historical drama called Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix. The film, which explores both Napoleon’s military feats and his relationship with his wife, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), is expected to have a running time of around 2 hours and 37 minutes, with an extended director’s cut of approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes. Gladiator 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on November 22, 2024.