Ridley Scott is eyeing a “Gladiator” sequel to direct for Paramount and has set Peter Craig to write the screenplay, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The first “Gladiator” movie, which was released in 2000, garnered 11 Oscar nominations and five wins, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. The film raked in $460 million at the global box office.
The story for the sequel would focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla (who was played by Connie Nielsen in the 2000 film) who was saved by Maximus (Russell Crowe) by the end of the first film.
DreamWorks was the studio behind the original 2000 film and Paramount is currently in negotiations to land the project. Universal, which co-produced the 2000 film, has the option to come on board as co-financier.
Craig is best known as the writer behind “The Hunger Games” and “The Town” and is currently working on Paramount ‘s “Top Gun” sequel, “Maverick.”
Recently, Scott directed “All the Money in the World,” starring Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg. Scott is currently directing his first ever television series, “Raised by Wolves,” for TNT.
Scott is repped by WME, and Craig is repped by CAA.
Deadline Hollywood first reported the news.