Paul Mescal | Photo credit: John Koploff/Getty Images
Sequel to Ridley Scott’s multiple Oscar-winning film the Gladiator has inched closer to reality as the filmmaker is inching closer to finalizing the lead actor for the project.
Paul Mescal, Star of normal people And indie hit after noon, is in talks to star in the follow-up, which Scott is set to make as his next directorial deadline,
A Paramount project, the sequel will be produced by Scott and Michael Prause as well as Doug Vick and Lucy Fisher. David Scarpa wrote the screenplay.
The original, released in 2000, starred actors Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen in the lead roles. Crowe played Maximus, a Roman general-gladiator who seeks revenge for the murders of his wife and son.
Set years after the events of the first film, the sequel will focus on Lucius (Mescal), son of Lucilla (Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Phoenix). Lucius and Lucilla are rescued by Maximus when he defeats Commodus in battle, though he too succumbs to his injuries, allowing him to finally be reunited with his murdered wife and son.
Mescal is currently receiving praise for his performance in the period drama after noon From filmmaker Charlotte Wells. he also starred in creatures of god Which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.