Ridley Scott is set to continue filming the sequel to “Gladiator” in Malta starting December 4 after a delay due to a 118-day actors’ strike that concluded with a new three-year contract. The strike, which ended on November 8, secured unprecedented protections for AI use in film and a historic pay increase.
Starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, the film brings back original cast members Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi. Notably absent is Russell Crowe, as his character met his demise in the first film.
Scott, whose recent release “Napoleon” hit theaters last week, revealed in an interview that he spent the strike editing 90 minutes of footage for “Gladiator 2,” including a unique scene featuring the protagonist battling a pack of baboons inspired by real-life events in South Africa.
The sequel, distributed globally by Paramount Pictures, is scheduled to open on November 22, 2024.
While details about Pascal and Washington’s roles are under wraps, rumors suggest Keoghan as Emperor Geta and Quinn in talks for Emperor Caracalla. The storyline focuses on Lucius (Mescal), the son of Lucilla (Nielsen), as the saga continues after Maximus’s (Crowe) death.
The return of key creatives from the original, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates, ensures continuity. With an anticipated release date of November 22, 2024, “Gladiator 2” promises to be a cinematic spectacle, continuing the legacy of its predecessor.
“Gladiator” was a massive success, earning $460 million at the box office and winning five of its twelve Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.