The highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 epic historical drama “Gladiator” has added two new cast members, Joseph Quinn and Connie Nielsen, to its lineup. Nielsen will be reprising her role as Lucilla from the original movie, while Quinn will be playing Emperor Caracalla.
Quinn, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” will be joining the cast alongside Irish actor Paul Mescal, who is set to play the lead in the film. The news was first reported by Variety, one of the leading entertainment websites.
The “Gladiator” sequel has been in development for years, with director Ridley Scott confirming its existence in 2019. The original film, which starred Russell Crowe as a Roman general seeking revenge against the corrupt Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix), was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Details about the sequel’s plot are being kept under wraps, but it is rumored to follow the story of Lucius, the son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus, who was spared at the end of the first film. The project is being produced by Scott and is written by Peter Craig, the screenwriter behind “The Town” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” and “Part 2.”
Nielsen, who played Lucilla in the original “Gladiator,” has had a successful career since the movie’s release. She is known for her roles in “The Devil’s Advocate,” “One Hour Photo,” and “Wonder Woman.” She has also had recurring roles in popular television shows such as “The Following” and “The Good Wife.”
Quinn, on the other hand, is a rising star who gained widespread recognition for his role as young Danny in the BBC miniseries “Les Misérables.” He has also appeared in popular television shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “Dickinson.”
Mescal, who is set to lead the film, rose to fame with his breakout role in the Irish drama series “Normal People,” for which he received critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination. He has since appeared in the Hulu limited series “The Deceived” and the upcoming film “Carmen.”
The “Gladiator” sequel is one of several high-profile projects in the works for Scott, who is also set to direct “Kitbag,” a biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte starring Joaquin Phoenix, and “Gucci,” a crime drama starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver.
The sequel has been in development for several years, with Scott reportedly working on the script with Craig since at least 2018. The project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but production is expected to begin soon.
Fans of the original “Gladiator” have been eagerly anticipating the sequel for years, and the addition of talented actors like Quinn and Nielsen is sure to generate even more excitement. With Mescal leading the charge, the film is poised to be a major success and a worthy follow-up to one of the most beloved historical dramas of all time.
