Paul Mescal will star within the sequel to Sir Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’.
The ‘Regular Individuals’ actor is in talks to tackle the lead position of Lucius Verus, son of Roman Empress Lucilla and nephew of villain Commodus, who was performed by Joaquin Phoenix within the unique movie, in accordance with The Hollywood Reporter.
David Scarpa is writing the script, whereas Ridley will produce with Michael Pruss by way of Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher by way of Pink Wagon Leisure.
The sequel is scheduled to start filming in Ouarzazate, Morocco in Might and unique star Russell Crowe is predicted to seem in flashbacks as his character Maximus from the unique 2000 epic.
A supply beforehand instructed The Solar newspaper’s Weird column: “This has been constructing since 2018 and for a very long time it seemed like it could by no means see the sunshine of day.
“However instantly, late final yr, the manufacturing staff actually got here alive after deciding on a brand new script that appeared to encourage them.
“Just a few months later, every thing was working and now it is up and working.
“They need to be taking pictures in Might, which implies there’s a excellent probability that the film will probably be prepared someday in 2024.
“Both means, this is able to be an enormous field workplace draw.
“It is one of many greatest motion films of its time and it was an enormous success.
“Individuals have been asking Ridley a couple of follow-up for years, so there’s clearly an enormous urge for food for him.”
The primary movie, additionally starring Derek Jacobi and the late Oliver Reed in his final position, received 5 Academy Awards, together with the coveted Finest Image and Finest Actor accolades for Russell, in addition to a number of different gongs, together with BAFTAs and Golden Globes. .
Talking in 2021, Scott insisted “Gladiator” sequel could be subsequent on his record as quickly as he completed work on “Napoleon,” which stars Phoenix as French navy commander Napoleon Bonaparte and is ready to premiere on Apple TV+ in late 2021. of this yr.
He mentioned, “I am already having [the next] ‘Gladiator’ written now. So when ‘Napoleon’ is finished, ‘Gladiator’ will probably be able to go.”