Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is in talks to co-star alongside Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film.
According to a report from Deadline, Scott and Paramount Pictures CEO and president Brian Robbins approached Washington with an offer for a major role that is yet to be disclosed, and they were unsure if he would take it. However, sources close to the sequel’s development said Washington was excited about the role Scott tailored for him upon reading the script, which led to a meeting between the two. This would mark Washington and Scott’s first collaboration since 2007’s American Gangster.
Mescal has been cast to play Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nelson), nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), and grandson of Marcus Aurelis, who in the first film was the emperor of Rome until Maximus (Russell Crowe) ascended the throne following his murder. The sequel revolves around a grown-up Lucius as he becomes emperor.
Washington’s negotiations to co-star in Gladiator 2 come on the heels of Barry Keoghan being in talks to play the role of Emperor Geta. Despite the sequel not having any basis in real-life events, Geta ruled the Roman Empire from 209 through 211 AD.
Meanwhile, Washington has been cooking up The Equalizer 3, where he plays vigilante Robert McCall alongside Dakota Fanning. That film is slated to release on September 1.
Upon its release in 2000, Gladiator grossed over $460 million worldwide and won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Gladiator 2 will release in theaters November 22, 2024.
Image credit: Taylor Hill / Contributor via Getty Images
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
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