Denzel Washington Joins Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ Sequel

Media reports revealed that Denzel Washington will join Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator” sequel, reteaming after 2007’s “American Gangster.”

The sequel follows the 2000’s blockbuster hit “Gladiator,” which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won five, including best picture. It achieved $460 million at the box office.

The film starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman soldier forced into slavery who vows revenge against Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). 

Since Maximus dies at the end of “Gladiator,” Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Maximus’ lover Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), in the sequel.

Meanwhile, Washington’s role is being kept under wraps.

The two-time Academy Award winner most recently starred in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” a performance that earned him a ninth Oscar nomination for acting.

He will next be seen in the upcoming “Equalizer 3,” which is set to be released later this year by Sony.