The sequel to director Ridley Scott’s multiple Academy Award-winning film Gladiator (2000) is progressing, and the most recent rumours are that Paul Mescal, best known for the television series Normal People and the critically acclaimed drama Aftersun, is in talks to appear in the eagerly awaited follow-up.

Russell Crowe‘s career took off after Gladiator. The 1958 novel Those About to Die by Daniel P. Mannix served as the basis for the historical fiction film, which follows former Hispano-Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius as he seeks retribution for the murderous ruler Commodus’ family (Joaquin Phoenix). Paul Mescal is anticipated to portray the character of Lucius, the son of Commodus’ sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who would be the subject of the second instalment.

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With The Last Duel, Scott made a comeback to the swords and sandals genre last year, but the movie bombed at the box office. Gladiator 2 will be produced by Scott, Scott Free President Michael Pruss, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment.

Mescal, who was nominated for an Emmy for playing Connell Waldron in the miniseries Normal People, is receiving Oscar buzz for his turn as a troubled parent in the film Aftersun. In Andrew Haigh’s Strangers, which also stars Andrew Scott and Claire Foy, he will be seen.

The sequel, a Paramount undertaking, will be produced by Doug Wick, Lucy Fisher, Scott and Michael Pruss. The script was written by David Scarpa.

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The actors Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Conie Nielsen played the key roles in the original, which was released in 2000. Crowe portrayed Maximus, a Roman general turned gladiator who exacted revenge on those responsible for the deaths of his children and wife.

The sequel will centre on Lucius (Mescal), the nephew of Commodus and the son of Lucilla (Nielsen), and it will take place years after the events of the first movie (Phoenix).

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Maximus beat Commodus in battle, but he too died from his wounds, saving Lucius and Lucilla and letting him to finally reconcile with his murdered wife and son in the afterlife, according to Devdiscourse.