2000's Gladiator was a huge hit, grossing $460.5 million at the worldwide box office and earning five Academy Awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" for Russell Crowe.
Recently, the actor confirmed that he won't be part of Sir Ridley Scott's sequel, though anyone who has actually watched the epic blockbuster shouldn't be too surprised by that news (even after rumours to the contrary). Instead, Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal is in talks to play the movie's lead
He won't be replacing Crowe as Maximus, though; instead, this is a true sequel, with Mescal eyed for Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla. The nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), and son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius, who was murdered by his brother so he could seize the throne, the character is one we first met as a child.
Maximus eventually killed Commodus, gaining his revenge for the death of his wife and son before joining them in the afterlife. He also rescued Lucilla and Lucius, so we're sure the fallen hero's presence will be felt in other ways.
It's an exciting premise, and one we don't have too much longer until getting to see. Deadline is reporting that Gladiator 2 is set to be released in theaters on November 22, 2024! Yes, nearly a decade-and-a-half after the first instalment.
Scott produces with Michael Pruss, Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher from a screenplay by David Scarpa.
November 22 is the weekend before Thanksgiving in 2024, and no other tentpoles are currently scheduled for that date. There is an untitled Disney Animation movie coming on November 27, but the Gladiator sequel stands a good chance of dominating the box office over a few weekends.
While some might argue that it would make sense for Crowe to play a supporting role as Maximus Decimus Meridius for the marketing potential alone, focusing on a new set of characters and dealing with the legacy of Commodus and Maximus is bound to lead to a vastly more interesting story than if the latter was somehow resurrected.
Are you excited about Gladiator 2?