When filmmakers grow older, they tend to become less prolific, taking years between projects. Ridley Scott apparently didn’t get that memo. Not only has the output from the legendary director increased in recent years, he actually has two films coming out this year, “The Last Duel” and “House of Gucci.” And it appears that he has another back-to-back production cycle ahead of him with two new films after that, including the long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel.
READ MORE: ‘Gladiator 2’: Producer Says Long-Awaited Sequel Will Feature A Significant Time Jump
Scott broke down what his upcoming film slate looks like in an interview with Empire. As mentioned, he has two films coming out this fall, both of which are seemingly going to be serious awards contenders. Then, his next feature is the historical epic about Napoleon, titled “Kitbag,” which stars Joaquin Phoenix. But after that? Well, it appears the “Gladiator” sequel that has been discussed for years will happen.
“I’m already having [the next] ‘Gladiator’ written now,” Scott explained. “So when I’ve done [‘Kitbag’], ‘Gladiator’ will be ready to go.”
To say that “Gladiator 2” has been in discussions for years is an understatement. It’s been 20 years since the original, Oscar-winning film starring Russell Crowe was released in theaters. And more than a decade ago, talk of a sequel became serious; at one point, musician and writer Nick Cave had written a script. Then years go by with not much discussion. But in 2017, rumblings about a “Gladiator” sequel intensified with Ridley Scott openly talking about it multiple times over the past several years.
We really don’t even know what the story of “Gladiator 2” will look like. Sometimes, it’s talked about as a possible prequel. Most recently, it was said to be a sequel that jumps ahead in time quite a bit. All that is known is that it will tie into the story of Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius in some way.
Obviously, talking about Ridley Scott’s next-next-next-next film is a potentially dangerous proposition. Who knows what will happen after his two fall films are released, and he begins work on “Kitbag?” Hell, will the world even exist in time for “Gladiator 2” to start production? We don’t have the answers to those questions. That said, for those hoping for a sequel to the swords and sandals epic, it does appear that it’s closer to happening now than ever before.