How’s this for entertainment? Deadline reports that Ridley Scott‘s long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel is in motion, with up-and-comer Paul Mescal in negotiations to star. After a breakout year with acclaimed performances in “Aftersun” and “God’s Creatures,” it felt inevitable Mescal would bag a big-budget role. But this is on another level entirely and cements the actor as one of cinema’s biggest rising stars.
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Scott returns to direct the sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 film. He also produces through his banner Scott Free with the production company’s president Michael Pruss. Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher also co-produce via Red Wagon Entertainment. David Scarpa, who pens Scott’s upcoming historical epic “Napoleon,” writes the sequel’s script. A handful of crew members from the original film also return for the sequel, including costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max.
“Gladiator” remains one of Scott’s biggest career films. The movie earned $460 million at the global box office and nabbed 12 Oscar nominations, winning five, including Best Picture. Scott expressed interest in returning to the world of Russell Crowe‘s Maximus even when “Gladiator” was still in theaters. However, development on the sequel didn’t start until Paramount joined the project in 2018. During the production of “Napoleon,” Scott indicated his desire to move forward with “Gladiator 2,” and Paramount execs reportedly moved mountains to ensure the sequel moved forward.
But who will Mescal play in the new film? No, he won’t take over Crowe’s role as Maximus. Instead, he plays Lucius, son of Connie Nielson‘s Camilla, and nephew of Joaquin Phoenix‘s Emperor Commodus. Of course, “Gladiator” fans remember Maximus dies at the end of the 2000 film after skewering Commodus in the arena’s fighting pit. One imagines Maximus’ pyrrhic victory makes quite an impression on the younger Lucius, and informs much of Mescal’s character.
And Mescal reportedly beat some of Hollywood’s top talent to land the coveted role. So who else was in the running for the lead role of “Gladiator 2”? Just the likes of Miles Teller, Austin Butler, Richard Madden, and Timothée Chalamet. According to Deadline, insiders say Mescal met Scott early in the audition process and was clearly the director’s top choice. Mescal certainly has the right combination of acting range and physical ability to carry the sequel, something not quite there with the actors listed above.
Mescal’s breakout role came in the Hulu limited series “Normal People,” which earned him an Emmy nomination. Other roles include “The Lost Daughter” and the musical drama “Carmen,” still awaiting a US theatrical release after its world premieres at TIFF last September. Up ahead, Mescal has the sci-fi thriller “Foe,” Andrew Waugh‘s next film “Strangers,” and the thriller “A Spy By Nature,” based on Charles Cummings‘ “Alec Milius” book series.
Paul Mescal in “Gladiator 2” marks the first colossal casting news of 2023. But who will join the actor in Scott’s upcoming film? Expect more news on this sequel after Scott’s “Napoleon” hits theaters.
