Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel has finally found its star. According to Deadline, Normal People star Paul Mescal is in talks to lead the film.
The long-awaited sequel from Paramount will serve as a follow-up to Scott’s original 2000 picture, which starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a general forced into the role of gladiator by the self-appointed Emperor of Rome, Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The sequel will center on Lucius, the son of Connie Nelson’s Lucilla, and the nephew of Phoenix’s Commodus.
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A number of potential stars met with Scott for the role, but Mescal was reportedly one of the director’s top choices following a meeting between the two. Mescal is best known for his role in the Hulu series Normal People, which earned him an Emmy Nomination. In addition, he has starred in a number of recent films, including Aftersun, which is expected to get some attention this award season.
David Scarpa penned the script for the film after working with Scott on All The Money In the World and the duo’s upcoming Napoleon Bonaparte movie. Scott is also producing the project along with Michael Pruss via Scott Free and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.
Are you excited to see Paul Mescal star in Gladiator 2? What do you hope to see in the movie? Let us know in the comments below!
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