Denzel Washington is in the final stages of negotiations to reunite with Ridley Scott on the “Gladiator” sequel, after their collaboration on “American Gangster” in 2007. Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan, both recently nominated for Academy Awards, would also be part of the project.
The sequel follows 2000’s blockbuster hit “Gladiator,” which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won five, including best picture. It earned $460 million at the box office, and now Scott is returning to direct and produce the sequel.
The original “Gladiator” starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman soldier forced into slavery who vows revenge against Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Since Maximus dies at the end of “Gladiator,” Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Maximus’ lover Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen), in the sequel. Keoghan is in negotiations to play Emperor Geta.
