Denzel Washington to Reunite with Ridley Scott on ‘Gladiator’ Sequel

Variety reports that Denzel Washington is in final negotiations to join Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator” sequel, reteaming after 2007’s “American Gangster.”

If the deal closes, the two-time Academy Award winner would join newly minted Oscar nominees Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan, whose participation in the Paramount Pictures film broke Thursday.

Paramount has dated the film for November 22, 2024.

The sequel follows 2000’s blockbuster hit “Gladiator,” which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won five, including best picture. 

The film starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman soldier forced into slavery who vows revenge against Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Since Maximus dies at the end of “Gladiator,” Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Maximus’ lover Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), in the sequel. Keoghan is in negotiations to play Emperor Geta. Washington’s role is being kept under wraps.

Washington most recently starred in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” a performance which earned him a ninth Oscar nomination for acting. (He has 10 total, including a best picture nod as producer of “Fences.”) He’ll next be seen in the upcoming “Equalizer 3,” which is set to be released later this year by Sony.

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