We recently learned that Ridley Scott's long-gestating Gladiator sequel had taken a major step forward, with Normal People and Aftersun star Paul Mescal tapped for the lead role.
Now, the project has enlisted a couple of major new cast members.
THR reports that two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington is in negotiations to re-team with Scott on the movie (they previously worked together on 2007's American Gangster). Details on his role are being kept under wraps, but he is rumored to be playing the man who trains Mescal's character for his gladiatorial battles.
In addition, The Banshees of Inisherin Best Supporting Actor nominee Barry Keoghan will play the villainous Emperor Geta.
Russell Crowe's titular warrior, Maximus Decimus Meridius, was killed off at the end of the first movie, so when it was first announced that Scott was planning a sequel to his Academy Award-winning action drama, fans were curious who the story would focus on.
It's been confirmed that the sequel will follow Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of the villainous Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who looked up to Maximus and helped carry his body after his death.
David Scarpa, who worked with Scott on All The Money In the World and the upcoming Napoleon Bonaparte film, is currently working on the script. Scott will also produce with Michael Pruss via Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.