Academy Award-nominee and BAFTA-winner Barry Keoghan is in talks to join Ridley Scott's untitled 'Gladiator' sequel.

Oscar nominee Paul 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 sequel follows 2000’s blockbuster hit 'Gladiator', which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five including best picture, and earned $460 million at the box office, with Scott returning to direct and produce.

Keoghan is coming off an extremely successful and busy year in 2023, winning a BAFTA and snagging an Academy Award nomination for his role as Dominic in "The Banshees of Inisherin".

The “Gladiator” sequel is poised for release on November 22, 2024.

Source: Press Release