Pedro Pascal’s busy year just got busier.
The in-demand actor, doing the press rounds for the latest season of The Mandalorian and HBO series The last of yous, is now in talks to join Paramount’s Gladiator follow-up.
The Paramount project is a sequel to the 2001 Best Picture Oscar winner that followed Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a former general sold into slavery and forced to fight as a gladiator under the reign of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). a patricidally self-proclaimed emperor of Rome.
Pascal would join Paul Mescal, who will direct the film. Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, Commodus’ sister. As previously reported, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan are also set for the movie.
According to an earlier report, the sequel’s story will revolve around Lucius (Mescal), the son of Lucilla, played by Nielsen, and the nephew of Phoenix’s Commodus. Djimon Hounsou is expected to return as Juba, a fellow gladiator and former ally of Maximus.
David Scarpa, who worked with Scott All the money in the world and the duo is coming Napoleon movie, writes the script. Scott will also produce with Michael Pruss through Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher through Red Wagon Entertainment.
At the time of release, Gladiator grossed $460 million at the box office and earned eleven Oscar nominations, winning five statutes, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
Pascal, represented by CAA and Jackoway Austen, has upcoming credits including Ethan Coen Drive-away dummies.
