Everything Ridley Scott Has Revealed About ‘Gladiator III’

Get ready for another thrilling chapter in the Gladiator saga! Ridley Scott is already busy laying the groundwork for ‘Gladiator III’, and he's been vocal about what fans can expect from the next installment.

Following the monumental success of ‘Gladiator II,’ which is projected to rake in a staggering $60 million opening weekend, the iconic director, who will celebrate his 87th birthday shortly, doesn't intend to wait decades to bring us back to the arena.

‘Gladiator II’ left audiences on edge as Paul Mescal’s character, Lucius, rises to power by defeating the malevolent Macrinus (played by Denzel Washington) after eliminating both Emperors, Geta and Caracalla (portrayed by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger). This victory presents Lucius with the daunting choice of seizing power, setting the stage for Scott’s next narrative arc.

Scott has suggested that ‘Gladiator III’ will draw thematic inspiration from classics like ‘The Godfather Part II’. In a recent interview, he remarked, “The next film will focus on a man who doesn’t desire his position, akin to Michael Corleone's struggle. Lucius is in a moral quandary, pondering 'Father, what do I do?’ This reluctance to claim the throne serves as a gripping starting point for the sequel.”

The celebrated director even revealed, “I've sketched out eight pages already. There’s a solid starting point established.” Initially, Scott indicated that while the Gladiator series traditionally calls for heroes to return to the fighting arena, he implies that this may not be the central theme for Lucius. However, he acknowledges the challenge of crafting a story that naturally brings the protagonist back into conflict.

Paul Mescal is just as eager as Scott, expressing his commitment to reprise the role of Lucius, stating, “Oh yeah, massively down! I don’t think it will be 24 years, but timelines are unpredictable.”

Additionally, Scott hinted that Marcus Aurelius, the well-regarded Emperor from the first film, may influence Lucius's character development. Despite his benevolent portrayal, the director holds a more critical view of Aurelius, commenting on how his writings reflect the guilt over his actions, likening him to contemporary demagogues.

When asked about alternative fates for his major characters in ‘Gladiator II’, Scott remained firm in his storytelling, asserting, “Lucius had to survive. His mother had to fall, and the antagonist needed his reckoning.”

With Ridley Scott at the helm, fans can expect an exhilarating continuation of the Gladiator saga that challenges themes of power, morality, and legacy. Be prepared to dive back into a world rich with historical intrigue and riveting drama! Stay tuned as we await more developments surrounding this epic narrative.