Ridley Scott’s 2000 period action film ‘Gladiator’ is undoubtedly one of the best historic action films ever made. A huge commercial success upon its release, the rumours of the movie’s sequel have been running along for quite some time. Finally, some confirmed updates regarding the film are available. Currently in pre-production, the makers are looking at May 2023 to start the movie’s shoot.
As per reports, the makers of ‘Gladiator 2’ are currently scouting for shoot locations. The grapevine tells us that the movie is to revolve around the character Lucius, son of Lucilla and nephew of main antagonist Commodus. The original actor of ‘Gladiator’ who played the character- Spencer Treat Clark- has been cast in the role by the makers, adding fuel to the fire regarding the plot details.
The historic action film ‘Gladiator’ followed the betrayed Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius played by Russel Crowe. Finding his ambitious son Commodus(Joaquin Phoenix) unfit to rule, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was going to make Maximus the regent to succeed him as ruler of Rome. However, finding out about this, Commodus kills his father and declares himself the new Emperor. When Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty, he orders the former general and his family to be killed as well. After escaping from capture, Maximus rides home only to find his wife and son crucified. The movie unravels how Maximus, after being sold as a slave, ends up as a gladiator where he battles up his way and finally gets his revenge on Commodus.
Since Maximus dies in the first movie, if Russel is confirmed to appear on screen, it would only be in certain flashbacks. Adding any sort of such supernatural element would be highly unlikely since it would not be faithful to the spirit of the original. It is to be noted that as per numerous reports, Crowe has joined the project as a co-producer. It is expected that Lucilla, Maximus’ ex-lover and Lucius’ mother, played by ‘Wonder Woman’ actress Connie Nielsen will appear in the sequel.
As we’ve seen lately with ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, if the audience is given a good story, engrossing screenplay and the right dose of nostalgia, then the sequel is a success irrespective of whether two or three decades have passed from the original’s release. Director of well-regarded films like ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and ‘The Martian’, all eyes are on Scott for giving us an engaging sequel worthy of carrying its predecessor’s legacy.