There’s been a casting shake-up on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel. Deadline reports Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin actor Barry Keoghan has dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Fortunately, another rising star talent has jumped at the opportunity as the full is finalized.
According to the report, Fred Hechinger has stepped in to replace Keoghan in the role of Emperor Geta. Joining Hechinger are Moon Knight breakout May Calamawy, Spartacus and Snake Eyes actor Peter Mensah, actor/comedian Matt Lucas, and 6 Underground‘s Lio Raz.
Also set to reprise his role as Senator Gracchus is veteran actor Derek Jacobi. Gracchus was an ally of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, which put him odds with the villainous Commodus.
Jacobi joins Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou as one of the few who are returning for the sequel. The rest of the impressive cast is led by Oscar nominee Paul Mescal as the grown-up Lucius Verus II, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Gladiator 2 opens on November 22nd 2024.
