Even if you had doubts that we needed a sequel Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, the casting of Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan probably calmed any concerns. Well, what if that cast got even better? Such as with a reunion between Scott and his American Gangster star Denzel Washington?
According to Deadline, Denzel Washington is in final talks to join Gladiator 2. This is, obviously, a huge deal adding one of the best actors in the world. But it gets even better, because the report says Washington was hesitant until he actually read David Scarpa’s screenplay. Washington doesn’t sign on to any old thing, and if he’s impressed that says a lot.
It’s unclear how Washington fits into things, though. We know that Mescal plays an adult Lucius, son of Connie Nielsen’s character and Joaquin Phoenix’s nephew in the original movie. Rumors are that Lucius, inspired by the actions of Russell Crowe’s character Maximus, will take aim at the throne held by Emperor Geta, expected to be played by Keoghan. Little of this is actually confirmed, however.
Gladiator 2 opens November 22nd 2024.
