Gladiator 2 was first announced in November 2018, and producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald assure fans of the swords-and-sandal action movie that a follow-up is still gearing up for production. The producers were asked by HeyUGuys about the next “Gladiator” installment and revealed, “We’re working with Ridley. That’s one we wouldn’t touch unless we felt in a way to do it was legitimate. We’re working with an amazing writer as well Peter Craig.
“Gladiator 2” have remained under wraps since those updates, but now Ridley Scott toldEmpire magazineahead of the release of “The Last Duel” that the next “Gladiator” movie is on his docket for right after the Napoleon epic “Kitbag.” That project, which will star Joaquin Phoenix as the French emperor, wasfirst announcedin October 2020.
“I’m already having [the next] ‘Gladiator’ written now,” Scott said. “So when I’ve done Napoleon, ‘Gladiator’ will be ready to go.”
Parkes added an intriguing new detail about the script: “It picks up the story 30 years late 25 years later.”
The original report on “Gladiator 2” mentioned the sequel would focus on Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s character Lucilla from Scott’s original film. Lucius is the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus, the Roman leader killed by Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Crowe’s character died at the end of the first movie and will not be a driving force in the sequel, but Maximus’ presence will be felt as an inspirational figure for Lucius.
Gladiator” opened May 5, 2000, and was a critical and box office sensation. The film earned over $400 million worldwide and was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning for Best Picture and Best Actor (Crowe). The sequel is taking shape at Paramount and has ever since been considered a classic ever since.