More casting news for Ridley Scott‘s upcoming blockbuster sequel “Gladiator 2.” Deadline reports that Connie Nielson will return to reprise her role as Lucilla from the 2000 original film, while “Stranger Things” breakout star Joseph Quinn lands the role of Emperor Caracalla. The pair join the already stacked cast of Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Denzel Washington. And more will likely join them.
Nielson’s return makes sense as Mescal plays an adult Lucius in “Gladiator 2,” the son of Nielson’s Lucilla. As for Quinn, Emperor Caracalla was a real-life Roman leader who ruled Rome from 198 to 217 AD as part of the Severan Dynasty. He’ll be siblings with Keoghan’s Emperor Geta, also part of the same dynasty. There’s no exact plot details yet for Scott’s sequel, but it takes place several years after the events of “Gladiator” and will almost certainly have the same emphasis on gladiatorial combat.
What else about “Gladiator 2”? Scott directs a script by David Scarpa, who also pens the director’s upcoming “Napoleon.” John Mathieson, who shot the 2000 film, returns as director of photography. Also returning from the original movie are production designer Arthur Max and costume designer Janty Yates. Scott also produces the film through his Scott Free banner with Michael Pruss. Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher also co-produce through Red Wagon Entertainment.
Nielson’s recent work includes “The Dreamer – Becoming Karen Blixen” and Queen Hippolyta in the former DCEU. Up next she has two films: “Role Play” and “Cast.” As for Mr. Quinn, Netflix subscribers loved him as Eddie Munson in “Stranger Things” Season 4. He also has Michael Sarnoski‘s “A Quiet Place: Day One” with Lupita N’yongo on the way, slated for a March 8, 2024 theatrical release.
As for “Gladiator 2”? Paramount has the much-anticipated blockbuster set for a November 22, 2024 release. Expect even more casting news for the film as it approaches production.
