Ridley Scott, the legendary director behind the iconic "Gladiator," is not wasting any time as he gears up for a third installment, even before the much-anticipated "Gladiator II" has premiered in U.S. theatres!

The sequel is set to hit North American cinemas on November 22, starring the talented Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of the beloved Maximus, originally played by Russell Crowe. Fans of epic storytelling can expect a mix of revenge, conflict, and, of course, those unforgettable gladiatorial battles.

"Gladiator II" has already found success overseas, raking in a staggering $87 million since its international release, with many reviews praising its gripping narrative. The film made its debut in Singapore on November 14, and anticipation is sky-high for its U.S. release.

In a recent statement during the film's glamorous premiere in Los Angeles, Scott confirmed that the overwhelming global response has assured a "Gladiator III" is on the horizon. “Given the performance we’ve seen globally, there's certainly going to be a Gladiator III," he said. "It's financially sensible with the potential it shows."

Scott is known for his relentless work ethic, continuing to direct at 86 years old, and he crafted "Gladiator II" with a sequel in mind. The storyline follows Lucius as he faces formidable challenges—banished to escape certain death in Rome but ultimately returning to confront the ruthless invading general Marcus Acacius, portrayed by Pedro Pascal.

Moreover, the film features Danish actress Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla from the original, alongside Denzel Washington, who has already garnered Oscar buzz for his extravagant portrayal of the ringmaster Macrinus. Washington humorously noted, "Jewelry, sandals, and everything—I just looked like a Roman pimp... I couldn't put on enough rings."

As we dive deeper into the dynamics of the plot, it’s evident that Mescal is eager to explore more than just the gladiatorial arena in a potential third movie. He expressed interest in a storyline that delves into political intrigue, drawing comparisons to Michael Corleone from "The Godfather." “Scott mentioned he has nine pages of ideas, now expanded to fourteen!” Mescal shared with enthusiasm.

When discussing the film’s themes regarding power and politics, Scott reiterated their relevance today. "A super-rich man thinks he can take over the Empire. Is that familiar?" he quipped, alluding to the current political climate with a nod to historical patterns the world seems to be repeating.

As the world eagerly awaits "Gladiator II," it’s clear that Scott and Mescal are already paving the way for an exhilarating third chapter in the Gladiator saga. Stay tuned for more updates on what promises to be another monumental film!