Denzel Washington set to star in Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ sequel

Get ready to see Denzel Washington as you’ve never seen him before: in sandals! The two-time Academy Award winner is reportedly set to star in director Ridley Scott’s sequel to “Gladiator,” according to Deadline. 

Washington joins Paul Mescal and potentially Barry Keoghan, who were both nominated for Oscars this year, in the historical action epic. It will be a reunion for Washington and Scott, 16 years after Scott directed Washington in the crime drama “American Gangster.” 

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Details of Washington’s character have not been revealed, but according to Deadline, it’s a “bad-ass role” Scott devised with Washington specifically in mind. The sequel will follow an adult Lucius (Mescal), the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Maximus (Russell Crowe) – who died at the end of “Gladiator” – saved Lucilla and Lucius from Commodus. Lucius was played by Spencer Treat Clark as a boy. 

“Gladiator” was released in 2000 and became a massive success, grossing over $460 million at the box office and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Costume designer Janty Yates, who won an Academy Award for the original, and production designer Arthur Max, who was nominated, are returning for the sequel. The script is written by David Scarpa, who also wrote Scott’s other upcoming historical epic, “Napoleon,” which reunites Scott and “Gladiator” star Phoenix. Scott produces with Michael Pruss, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher. 

Production on the “Gladiator” sequel is expected to begin soon. The film is slated for release on November 22, 2024, according to Variety. 

Washington will next be seen in “The Equalizer 3.”

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