Barry Keoghan (“The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”) is in negotiations to join the cast of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel starring Paul Mescal. Keoghan is expected to play Emperor Geta if a deal closes.
Giant Freakin Robot first broke the report which the trades have subsequently confirmed. The film is readying to film imminently ahead of a November 22nd 2024 release.
Oscar nominee Mescal is set to lead the film as Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Emperor Commodus. Mescal beat out the likes of Austin Butler, Timothee Chalamet, Miles Teller and Richard Madden for the role.
The story begins with Lucius now a grown man and when Maximus (Russell Crowe) sacrificed himself to save him and his mother, it left a strong impression on the young Lucius. Crowe has already confirmed he’s not involved in the film in any way.
The first draft of the feature was delivered last November with Scott once again directing, this time from a script written by David Scarpa. Costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max are also returning, while Michael Pruss, Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher produce.
The original “Gladiator” was a massive hit at the box-office, grossing $457 million worldwide at the time. Scott is finishing up his Joaquin Phoenix-led “Napoleon” expected to hit cinemas towards year’s end.
