Gladiator 2 Sounds Even More Badass Than We Thought
Remember earlier this year, when we learned that Paul Mescal would trade his chain for a sword in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel? As it turns out, he won't be the only Hollywood darling in the cast. Denzel Washington and Barry Keoghan are reportedly in talks to co-star in the film. According to Deadline, Washington’s contract is in final negotiations. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter states that Keoghan’s deal is pending. If it goes through, the The Banshees of Inisherin standout will play Emperor Geta in the film.
Washington’s role has not been revealed yet, but he was reportedly sought after for the part. Deadline claims that after Mescal signed onto the project, Scott took the script to Washington. A source close to the project said Washington was excited about playing the “bad-ass role” that was crafted with him in mind.
According to Deadline, the casting process began back in November after the Gladiator script was finalized. Mescal was one of the first actors to meet with Scott, and he was promptly tapped as the lead, Lucius. Before we continue, here's a quick refresher: Lucius is Lucilla’s (Connie Nielsen) son in the original movie. Back then, the character was a young child whose life was saved by Maximus (Russell Crowe) after the final battle. The sequel takes place years after the first film ended, where Lucius is all grown up and ready to embark on his own journey. The official plot has not been released, but from the sound of things, the next Gladiator will largely follow Lucius's life as an adult in Ancient Rome.
Though the Gladiator sequel is still in development, Scott has secured a team to bring the film to life. He is producing the sequel alongside Michael Pruss, the president of Scott Free Productions, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher from Red Wagon Entertainment. Scott also brought on Janty Yates, the original costume designer for Gladiator, along with Arthur Max, the original production designer. If we're lucky, Washington and Keoghan will join Mescal for the next round of Gladiator fights. Until then, you can see Mescal star in his latest project, the brilliant Aftersun.
From: Esquire U.S.
