Ridley Scott Says Gladiator 2 Will Come Out In Early 2024
The director thinks the sequel will be ready for the big screen 24 years on from the hugely successful original
Sir Ridley Scott has confirmed that the long-awaited Gladiator sequel will come out in early 2024.
The original movie was released way back in 2000 and was a huge commercial and critical success, winning five Oscars.
Over the years since, there has been much talk of a sequel, without anything coming to light - in part due to the minor complication that the main man, Maximus (played by Russell Crowe), dies in the first film... Sorry if that's a spoiler - you've had 20 odd years now.
But if you thought the prospect of a sequel had died too, then think again, because director Scott has it penned into his chocka diary.
Speaking to LADbible ahead of the release of his latest film, The Last Duel, the prolific 83-year-old director said it was 'being fine-tuned now'.
He said: "It's already written. It will follow Napoleon."
Asked when we might be able to see it on the big screen, he added: "The beginning of '24."
How very exciting.
The 'Napoleon' he is referencing is his next project, Kitbag, a historical drama about the French military leader and emperor.
Joaquin Phoenix - who played Commodus in Gladiator - will take on the lead role, while Jodie Comer will play his wife, Josephine.
This will be the Killing Eve star's second time working with Scott, as she takes centre stage in his new film, The Last Duel.
This too is a historical drama set in 14th Century France, with Comer playing the part of Marguerite de Carrouges, the wife of knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon).
After Marguerite claims she has been raped by Jean's former friend, Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), Jean calls for trial by combat, and the fate of the three is decided in the last legally sanctioned duel in France.
Comer said getting the opportunity to work with Alien director Scott was a 'dream come true'.
Speaking at the London premiere of The Last Duel, she said: "It was incredible. It was such a dream come true to see him work behind the scenes and see the mastermind and how he makes his decisions. It was really fascinating.
"And also he has four or five cameras rolling the entire time, so as an actor you are incredibly spoiled because, especially if you are doing material that is emotional or a bit darker, then you are not spending a lengthy amount of time doing it. It was quite an efficient way of working."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Gladiator, TV and Film, Ridley Scott
Jake Massey