Just one day removed from the news that The Banshees of Inisherin star Barry Keoghan had joined the ever-expanding cast of Gladiator 2, another big name is poised to do the same. As first reported by Deadline, Oscar winner Denzel Washington is joining the cast as well.

Washington and Keoghan join Paul Mescal in the highly anticipated sequel. While we know  Mescal will be portraying the nephew of the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the original Gladiator and Keoghan is stepping into a villainous role, details surrounding Wahsington’s role are scarce at this time.

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Scott is directing the sequel to his 2000 film with his All The Money In The World writer David Scarpa penning the script. Ridley Scott’s Scott Free production banner is producing with Paramount Pictures backing the film.

The Gladiator sequel sees Denzel Washington reuniting with director Ridley Scott for the first time since starring in the 2007 crime drama American Gangster. However, Washington has been incredibly busy since that iconic role. Most recently, the two-time Academy Award winner lead the cast of such films as The Tragedy of Macbeth and Little Things. Up next, Washington will star alongside Dakota Fanning in Antoine Fuqua‘s long-awaited third installment in the Equalizer franchise.

What do you think? Are you excited about Gladiator 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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