Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington is in talks to play 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 an as-yet-undisclosed major role, and they weren’t sure if he would take it. However, sources close to the development of the sequel said that Washington was excited about the role that Scott tailored for him when he read the script, which led to their meeting. This would be Washington and Scott’s first collaboration since 2007’s American Gangster.
Mescal has been cast as Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nelson), nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and grandson of Marcus Aurelius, who in the first film was Roman emperor until Maximus (Russell Crowe) ascended the throne. after his murder. The sequel revolves around an adult Lucius as he becomes emperor.
Washington’s negotiations to star in Gladiator 2 are Barry Keoghan’s negotiations to play Emperor Geta. Despite the sequel not being based on real life events, Geta ruled the Roman Empire from 209 to 211 AD.
Meanwhile, Washington has been prepping The Equalizer 3, in which he plays vigilante Robert McCall alongside Dakota Fanning. The film is scheduled to release on September 1.
Released in 2000, Gladiator grossed over $460 million worldwide and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Gladiator 2 will be released in theaters on November 22, 2024.
Image credit: Taylor Hill / Contributor via Getty Images
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. He has worked for various publications such as Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions and The Escapist. In comparison to Calvin Harris, he wears his love of Sonic the Hedgehog on his sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.