English director Ridley Scott surprised everyone by revealing that he is already working on the third part of “Gladiator” just a few months before the release of the second installment.
During a recent interview with French outlet Premiere, the 86-year-old artist stated that he has begun developing the idea for “Gladiator III”: “I’m already toying with the idea of ‘Gladiator III’. No, seriously! I’ve already lit the fuse.”
Likewise, and during the same conversation, he revealed that his main inspiration is the second part of the legendary franchise “The Godfather.”
The ending of ‘Gladiator II’ is reminiscent of ‘The Godfather,’ with Michael Corleone finding himself in a job he didn’t want, asking, ‘Now, Father, what do I do?’ so the next film will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”
Gladiator II is heading for the top
Following Scott’s interview with the French media, the director himself confirmed this news through a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, where he made it clear that the film directed by Francis Ford Coppola has been part of the development process for the third part of “Gladiator.”
At this time, no further details have been released regarding one of Scott’s upcoming projects, including a release date. However, according to his own words, the new Gladiator film would focus on a new chapter in the life of its protagonist, Lucio, played by Irish actor Paul Mescal in the second film.
Regarding this film, which will be released in theaters around the world next November, it will pick up where the first film left off through the life of Mescal’s character, who is also the nephew of Emperor Commodus, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix in the early 2000s film.
In this new story, Lucius, as an adult, will seek to deal with the complex struggles of a declining Roman Empire while pursuing his own goals.
The rest of the cast of “Gladiator II” is complemented by big names from Hollywood cinema such as Oscar winner Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen. Other big stars also join the cast, such as Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, Djimon Hounsou and Joseph Quinn.
According to projections and reviews from various specialized media, “Gladiator II” could become one of the best films by the English director after the lukewarm reception of his latest films such as “Napoleon” and “House of Gucci,” among others.
The director himself has even mentioned in previous interviews that the sequel to “Gladiator” could be one of his best works.