Who hasn’t heard of the iconic modern classic called Gladiator that came out at the dawn of the 21st Century? 22 years later we are yet to see another historical epic that’s as good or better than Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. The film was a unique blend of history and fiction with an epic scale and lots of gore. In fact many would agree when I say that this film was the beginning of a new kind of cinema. It gave birth to on screen representation of fantasy novels like Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, The Saxon Stories, and inspired a lot of dark historical/fictional projects like Troy, King Arthur, 300, The Tudors, Vikings, etc. Some argue that it also influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the DC Extended Universe as well. Gladiator was a revolutionary film indeed and it didn’t just perform great at the Box Office but was also honored by 5 Academy Awards and universal acclaim. And while most of us thought it was a one time event, it seems like that is not the case!
Gladiator 2 Will Enter Production Really Soon
Russell Crowe’s career best portrayal of General Maximus Decimus Meridius ended with that film itself as his character died at the end. Not just that but the antagonist Commodus which was, again, exceptionally portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix also died at the end. It was a complete tale of revenge and justice which had a perfect beginning, middle, and the end. So, none of us wanted or expected a Gladiator 2 but as is the case with basically all of Hollywood these days, we will be getting a sequel.
In November 2018, it was announced that Paramount was officially green-lighting the development of a sequel. Later, in April 2021, Chris Hemsworth approached Russell Crowe with a proposal to become involved with the project, with intention to co-produce the film. Yes, you read it right, Russell Crowe will somehow reprise his dead character’s role as Ridley Scott revealed that the difficulties of reintroducing Maximus had been resolved. Moving on, while talking about his upcoming venture Napoleon in November 2021, Scott revealed that a script is for Gladiator 2 is complete and that it will be his next production.
Now we have received reports that Scott is expected to arrive in Morocco in order to shoot scenes from the Gladiator sequel in the city of Ouarzazate, known as the “Moroccan Hollywood.” According to Le360 and some other reliable new websites, “the [production] team is in the middle of negotiations because the price that was proposed was considered a little excessive.” Morocco as you may know is one of the most popular filming destinations because varied geographical locations which makes cinematographers’ work a bit easier. The Moroccan cities offers incredibly varied landscapes, and climatic conditions highly suitable which are highly suitable for historic/fantasy productions.
This report confirms not one but two important details. Number 1, this means Scott’s filming work for Joaquin Phoenix led Napoleon is either over or about to be wrapped, and Number 2, the filming for Gladiator 2 is now about to begin! As for the story, what we’ve heard so far is that film will focus on the character of Lucius, son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsens. It will also focus on the nephew of Commodus, who will be played by Joaquin Phoenix himself. This is a bit hard to believe but we’ve seen stranger things in recent times. Also, as mentioned above, Russell Crowe is also return in some capacity. The film will likely enter production in early 2023 and as for its release, Gladiator 2 cannot be expected to come out anytime before at least 2025. Till then, brace yourselves for Ridley Scott’s Napoleon which is all set to release in 2023!
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