Actor Paul Mescal is in talks to be cast as the lead for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2. It took two decades to get a sequel started. Now, the Gladiator sequel is actually turning into a reality.
A report from Deadline says that the sequel may star Mescal. Best known for the movie Aftersun and the miniseries Normal People. Mescal had multiple nominations and won several awards for his performance in Normal People.
Mescal would be playing the role of Lucius Verus, which was originally played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original film. Lucius is the son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen, the former lover of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe).
At the moment, no one really knows the premise of the film, which is currently written by David Scarpa. Scarpa has done Ridley Scott’s latest film for Apple TV+ called Napoleon. His other works were The Man In High Castle and The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Gladiator 2 Is Close To Getting Its Lead Star
Credit: Hulu
READ MORE: Gladiator 2’s Script Is Complete Says Ridley Scott
Based on the age of Paul Mescal, it’s possible that the film is set possibly 20 years after the events of Gladiator. But that is only speculation. We did find it strange not to cast Spencer Treat Clark to return to the role. But I suppose it’s about the story that Ridley Scott is trying to tell.
The director told Deadline:
Oh, it’s been written. It’s already been written. We have a good footprint, a good, logical place to go. You can’t just do another Gladiator type movie. You’ve got to follow…there’s enough components from the first one to pick up the ball and continue it.
The deal hasn’t been finalized yet for Paul Mescal, but it indicates that the movie is going forward, and fast. Once they get the main lead, this will get the ball rolling for other casting announcements soon.
Ridley Scott would return to direct the film after finishing Napoleon. With Napoleon already in post-production, the Gladiator sequel is set to start filming in May. Scott has recently made The Last Duel and House of Gucci. He’s also set to produce the new Alien movie currently titled Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez. Scott’s notable works include the original Alien, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down and The Martian.
Ridley Scott Planned Gladiator 2 Years Ago
Credit: Universal Pictures
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The sequel was planned way back since the original film was still in theatres. This only gained momentum when it was reported that Paramount was set to develop the film back in 2018.
While the original film was made under Dreamworks and Universal. Gladiator sky rocketed Russell Crowe’s career. Despite Crowe being already popular in leading movies like Virtuosity, and L.A. Confidential. Gladiator opened up more opportunities for Crowe to get stronger character roles.
The original Gladiator focused on Crowe’s character Maximus Meridius. He was betrayed and his family murdered. As he tried to die to be with his family, he ended up as an unnamed Gladiator. He tries to fight to the top to get close to Emperor Commodus to enact his revenge.
Paul Mescal will be in other upcoming projects like Strangers and Foe. He’s also lined up for several other projects, namely The History of Sound, The End of Getting Lost, A Spy By Nature, and Bring Them Down.
What do you think of Paul Mescal taking the lead in the new Gladiator film? Do you think Gladiator needs a sequel in the first place? What do you think of Ridley Scott returning to make Gladiator 2?
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