Fans have been waiting a long time for a sequel to the Ridley Scott historical epic film Gladiator. The upcoming film, which will star Paul Mescal, is reportedly opening in theaters a week before Thanksgiving in 2024.
Deadline reports that Paramount Pictures has set the release date for Gladiator 2 on November 22, 2024. The original film’s director, Ridley Scott, will return to direct the follow-up of the 2000 classic movie starring Russel Crowe.
According to reports, Normal People star Paul Mescal is in the final stages of negotiation to star in the upcoming sequel. Mescal recently received a Best Actor nomination at the 95th Academy Awards for his performance in Aftersun as well as an Emmy nomination for his performance in Normal People.
Mescal was the top choice for the role following a productive meeting between the actor and director. While he may be the top choice, Mescal may need to put on a lot more muscle to play the role of a gladiator.
What we know about Gladiator 2
The actor will be playing Lucius, the son of Lucilla, in the sequel. The film is set a number of years after the events of the first movie with Lucius now an adult.
Lucius greatly idolized the Roman General-turned-gladiator Maximus Aurelius in the first movie, much to the chagrin of his uncle, Emperor Commodus. His uncle became the ruler of Rome after murdering his own father, who intended to pass on his throne to Maximus prior to his death.
Maximus and Commodus had an epic battle in the Colosseum during the climax of the first movie. The gladiator managed to defeat the emperor despite being mortally wounded. The victory of Maximus left a strong impression on the young Lucius.
David Scarpa, best known for his work on The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Last Castle, penned the script for Gladiator 2. Ridley Scott will also be producing the film with Scott Free President Michael Pruss along with Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment.
Also returning for the sequel is Academy Award-winning Costume designer Janty Yates. Arthur Max, who also received an Academy Award nomination will be returning as the production designer for the movie.
The sequel will have big shoes to fill as Gladiator earned twelve Academy Award nominations, winning five including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. The film also won Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Gladiator was also a commercial success earning $460 million at the box office against a budget of $103 million. The film was the second highest-grossing film of the year behind Mission: Impossible 2.
