Gladiator is the latest beloved 2000s movie with a sequel on the way and we finally know who’s going to play one of the key roles. Paul Mescal is in negotiations to lead the highly anticipated sequel in the role of Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s character from the original film.
Since Russell Crowe’s Maximus died at the end of the first film, Mescal isn’t expected to replace him, but play a brand-new character in the sequel. He will portray Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus. He was still a child in the first film and was in awe of Maximus whenever he watched him fight in the arena.
Scott will return to the Colosseum to continue this story as a director, while David Scarpa penned the script. The cast is yet to be announced, but the project will include a few familiar faces, including costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max.
Mescal rose to prominence with the Emmy-nominated role in Normal People and starred in several acclaimed projects since its release. He’s currently receiving major Oscar buzz for his role in the poignant drama Aftersun, which earned him nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Independent Spirit Awards.
