Ridley Scott Begins Development (Again) On ‘Gladiator 2’ With ‘The Town’ Writer Peter Craig

Though many have long viewed this as a potentially bad idea, Ridley Scott is indeed moving forward with his plans to direct a sequel to 2000’s Oscar-winning film “Gladiator.” And unlike previous attempts and talks to get this project off the ground, it appears this time he’s serious.

Deadline is reporting that Scott has begun developing “Gladiator 2” with writer Peter Craig. Now, the first question everyone has when talking about a sequel to “Gladiator” is how they’ll move forward given the ending of the first film? Well, apparently in “Gladiator 2,” Scott and Craig will pick up the story of Lucius, the son of Connie Nielson’s Lucilla. Lucius is seen in the first film as the young nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and is ultimately saved from his murderous Uncle thanks to Russel Crowe’s Maximus. The sequel would follow Lucius as he continues his life, greatly influenced by the heroic act of Maximus.

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We must concede that this is far from the first time we’ve heard rumblings from Ridley Scott about a “Gladiator 2.” Even as recently as last year, the filmmaker mentioned he still intended on eventually making the film. However, back in 2017, Scott hinted that his version of the film would actually bring back Crowe’s deceased character.

That premise links back to a 2009 story where Nick Cave was hired to pen the script. Apparently, Cave’s vision would have included the now-dead Maximus, who is in purgatory, being sent back to Earth by the Roman gods to kill the young upstart human, Christ, who insists he’s the one true god. So, regardless of how batshit crazy (and awesome) that sounds, it appears that Scott and Craig are moving in a completely different (and more traditional) direction.

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Craig is probably best known for writing “The Town” and two of the four “Hunger Games” films. He also is credited on the upcoming “Top Gun: Maverick,” as well as a remake of “Logan’s Run” that is in development over at Warner Bros.

Before we can even talk about “Gladiator 2” actually coming to theaters, Scott has to finish up his latest project, a TV series called “Raised by Wolves.” Then after that, the director has choices, and one of the leading contenders is reportedly a young Merlin story for Disney. But perhaps he’ll fast-track “Gladiator 2?”