Ali
The long-gestating sequel to Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” continues to make its way towards the cinematic Colosseum. Announced last year, the sequel is being written by “Top Gun : Maverick” scribe Peter Craig, with “Men in Black” producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald calling the shots.
“We’re working with Ridley,” MacDonald, out promoting “Men in Black : International”, tells Hey U Guys. ”That’s one we wouldn’t touch unless we felt in a way to do it was legitimate. We’re working with an amazing writer as well – Peter Craig.”
Parkes continued: “It picks up the story 30 years later… 25 years later.”
This would suggest earlier reports indicating the sequel fixes on Lucius, the son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus, played by Connie Nielsen and Joaquin Phoenix in the original, are on the money.
Singer Nick Cave wrote a “Gladiator” sequel years back, in which a resurrected Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) is fighting against the persecution of Christians. Clearly, the new take goes in a much, much different direction – with Crowe, for one, unlikely to return.
