Ridley Scott, the acclaimed director of Gladiator and its much-anticipated sequel Gladiator II, has revealed plans for a third installment in the franchise.
With Gladiator II set to deliver an impressive $60 million opening weekend, Scott, who turns 87 next week, has already begun laying the groundwork for a continuation of Lucius’ story.
The sequel follows Paul Mescal’s Lucius, who triumphs over the villainous Macrinus (Denzel Washington) after killing the two Emperors, Geta and Caracalla (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger).
By the end of the film, Lucius is left with the support of an army and a chance to seize power for himself—a compelling setup for what’s to come.
Scott envisions Gladiator III drawing inspiration from The Godfather Part II.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “I always had this idea that The Godfather ends with Michael [Corleone] not wanting the job. Lucius isn’t quite that evil at all, but he’s in a similar predicament, wondering, ‘Father, what do I do?’”
Scott further elaborated to Premiere magazine, “The next film will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is. That’s a good place to start.”
The legendary filmmaker also confirmed to Total Film that he’s already written eight pages of ideas for the sequel.
“If there’s a Gladiator III, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena for Gladiator II,” he added.
Despite Scott’s comments, fans can likely expect a return to the iconic gladiatorial setting in some capacity. Even if Lucius becomes Emperor, Scott reminded audiences that power didn’t stop the first film’s Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) from stepping onto the sand.
Paul Mescal, for his part, is eager to reprise the role of Lucius. Speaking to Variety, the actor said, “Oh yeah, massively down. I don’t think it will be 24 years, but I have no idea when it will be.”
Scott also hinted at the potential thematic depth of Gladiator III, suggesting that the character of Marcus Aurelius, portrayed by Richard Harris in the original film, could serve as a source of inspiration.
“Aurelius’ writings in Meditationsare fashionable now, but you’ve got to include him alongside every demagogue today,” Scott said, critiquing the historical figure.
When asked whether he ever considered different fates for his main characters in Gladiator II, Scott was firm. “Lucius had to live. Mom [Connie Nielsen] had to go. The evil guy had to go,” he stated.
Fans of Scott’s prolific career may have to wait a little while for Gladiator III, as the director is set to helm a Bee Gees biopic in early 2025. However, given his ability to quickly shift between projects, it’s clear that Scott is eager to return to ancient Rome and continue Lucius’ story.
With Gladiator II earning critical acclaim and box office success, the prospect of a third installment promises to further cement the franchise’s legacy as a cornerstone of epic cinema.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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