Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal is the latest A-lister in talks to join the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2000 historic epic movie “Gladiator“.
Pascal, who stars in both “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” is in final negotiations to board the Paramount movie, which already boasts a cast including two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington as well as Academy Award nominees Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan.
“Gladiator 2“ was announced in 2018 and sees Filmmaker Ridley Scott returning as director to the follow-up of his war movie.
The sequel is described by producers as a “legitimate” follow-up to the 2000 blockbuster hit “Gladiator,” which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won five, including best picture. It earned $460 million at the box office.
The original movie starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a former Roman General forced into slavery before seeking revenge against the emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) who murdered his family.
The blockbuster was a critical and commercial hit, earning $460m globally, and also won five Academy Awards, including the coveted best picture gong and best actor for Crowe, while also scooping a string of other accolades including Baftas and Golden Globes.
It is scripted by Peter Craig and will take place in a 25-30 year time jump. The sequel follows Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Nielsen) in the original. The role was played by Spencer Treat Clark in the 2000 movie.
Details of who Pascal will play are being kept under wraps. Keoghan is said to take the role of Emperor Geta, with “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn in talks to play Emperor Caracalla. Washington’s role in the sequel is also undisclosed.
Scott is also set to produce the project along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss and Red Wagon Entertainment’s Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher. David Scarpa wrote the screenplay. Paramount will produce the movie.
Universal, which backed the first movie along with DreamWorks, has the right to co-produce the movie once it has been set up.
"Gladiator" hits theatres on November 22, 2024.
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