What casting information might prime Barry Keoghan becoming a member of fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal in Ridley Scott‘s upcoming “Gladiator 2“? Deadline has the answer. Denzel Washington is in final talks to co-star in the sequel. If Washington indeed joins Scott’s next film, it’s the first time the pair work together since 2007’s “American Gangster.” That movie stays considered one of Washington’s most regarded performances over fifteen years after launch, in order that’s massive, massive information, proper?
READ MORE: ‘Gladiator 2’: Barry Keoghan To Play Emperor Geta In Ridley Scott’s Roman Empire Sequel
Sources inform Deadline that Washington was uncertain about becoming a member of “Gladiator 2” throughout preliminary talks however modified his thoughts after studying the script. That’s a telling anecdote since Washington is extremely selective concerning the tasks he works on. David Scarpa pens the script for Scott this time round, so suffice it to say if it received Washington excited, it’s an amazing follow-up to the unique “Gladiator” from 2000.
Washington has a historical past with the Scotts past “American Gangster,” although. He starred in a number of movies for Ridley’s brother, the late director Tony Scott, earlier than he teamed up with him for his or her 2007 hit. The actor and Tony did 5 movies in all collectively, three earlier than “American Gangster” and two after, together with “Crimson Tide,” “Man On Fire,” and 2010’s “Unstoppable.”
But “Gladiator 2” is a a lot totally different beast than a Tony Scott thriller. Plot particulars for the gladiatorial epic stay scarce, however Mescal performs an grownup Lucius, son of Connie Nielsen‘s Lucilla and nephew to Joaquin Phoenix‘s Commodus from the 2000 film. Meanwhile, rumors abound that Keoghan plays Emperor Geta in the sequel, but that’s but to be confirmed. As for Washington’s function, it’s below wraps.
Washington’s final function got here in Joel Coen‘s tackle Shakespeare‘s “Macbeth” for Apple, however he has a 3rd “Equalizer” movie on the way in which quickly. As for Scott, the workhorse director wants to complete “Napoleon” for Apple earlier than he begins on “Gladiator 2.” But Scott and Paramount eye a November 22, 2024 theatrical launch for the movie, so anticipate manufacturing to start this summer season.
So who joins Mescal, Keoghan, and Washington on the “Gladiator 2” solid listing subsequent? Stay tuned on that.