The Academy Award-winning actor, however, won't return for 'Gladiator 2', which will focus on Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and the boy who is saved by Crowe's Maximus.
- Nov 2, 2018
AceShowbiz - Ridley Scott is going to lead actors to the ring of gladiators again. Almost two decades after "Gladiator" was released to critical acclaims and box office success, the filmmaker is set to return behind the lens for a sequel.
The 2000 movie brought Russell Crowe to international fame, but the actor won't reprise his role as Maximus for the sequel. Instead, the upcoming movie will focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who is the major villain in the original movie.
Commodus is the son of Roman leader, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who murders his father to seize the throne, fearing for Maximus' ascendancy as regent. Commodus tries to get rid of Maximus by ordering the assassination of the Roman general and his family.
Maximus, however, ends up being captured by slave traders and becoming a gladiator, who fights in front of the corrupt new emperor. Maximus plots his revenge with the help of Commodus' sister Lucilla. He eventually fights Commodus in the gladiator ring, killing the emperor before succumbing to his own wound.
The film grossed $457 million worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2000. It earned Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe and three other titles at the 73rd Academy Awards.
According to Deadline, Peter Craig, who wrote "The Town", two "The Hunger Games" films and the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick", is set to pen the script for the "Gladiator" sequel. Scott is producing through his Scott Free banner with Red Wagon's Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher and Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald of Parkes + MacDonald.
Production on "Gladiator 2" may begin quickly, but no cast members are announced as of now.
Scott's most recent feature film directorial gig is "All the Money in the World" starring Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg. He is currently directing his first TV series "Raised by Wolves" for TNT.
