Paul Mescal To Star In Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ Sequel
06.01.2023 - 22:35
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Ridley Scott always said he would return to the Colosseum to continue the story of his blockbuster epic Gladiator, and it looks like we are getting close to having that wish granted. Sources tell Deadline that Normal People star Paul Mescal is in negotiations to lead the sequel to the Oscar-winning pic, with Scott returning to the directing chair. Scott also will produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss as well as Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. David Scarpa penned the script.
Also returning from the original film are Janty Yates (Costume Designer) and Arthur Max (Production Designer). The first film was co-production between Universal and DreamWorks and while DreamWorks will no longer be involved, Universal has the right to partner again when the project is packaged.
The new film follows the critically-acclaimed 2002 blockbuster Gladiator, which earned over $460M in worldwide box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning five including Best Picture.
The role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, was a career-changer for Russell Crowe when he played the part in the summer of 2000. It not only delivered him a Best Actor Oscar but launched to the top of every leading-man list in town, and once it was made clear last year that the sequel would be Scott’s next movie, every male actor in town that fit the profile began chasing the coveted part.
Meetings with Scott for the role began to heat up once a final draft was delivered in November, with Mescal being one of the first to sit down with the director. Although Scott continued to meet with other talent, insiders say it seemed clear to all involved that Mescal clearly was Scott’s top choice
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