Pedro Pascal Considering Role in 'Gladiator' Sequel
by EG
Pedro Pascal is arguably the hottest actor in Hollywood right now, having starred in two of the biggest TV series of the last year. Pascal has starred in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, blockbuster follow-ups to his previous roles in other huge series like Game of Thrones. Now he apparently has his eye on a role in another potential big job in the sequel to the 2001 hit movie Gladiator. Read on for details.
Pedro Pascal’s busy year just got busier.
The in-demand actor, who has been doing the press rounds for the newest season of The Mandalorian and HBO series The Last of Us, is now in talks to join Paramount’s Gladiator sequel.
The Paramount project is a follow-up to the 2001 best picture Oscar winner that followed Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a former general who is sold into slavery and forced to fight as a gladiator under the rule of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), a patricidal self-appointed emperor of Rome.
Pascal would join Paul Mescal, who will lead the movie. Connie Nielsen is set to return as Lucilla, the sister of Commodus. As previously reported, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan are also set for the movie.
According to a previous report, the sequel’s story will center on Lucius (Mescal), the son of Lucilla, played by Nielsen, and the nephew of Phoenix’s Commodus. Djimon Hounsou is expected to return as Juba, a fellow gladiator and onetime ally of Maximus.
David Scarpa, who worked with Scott on All The Money In the World and the duo’s upcoming Napoleon movie, is penning the script. Scott will also produce with Michael Pruss via Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.
At the time of the release, Gladiator grossed $460 million at the box office and earned eleven Oscar nominations, winning five statutes, including best picture and best actor for Crowe.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.