He looks set to reunite with Ridley Scott nearly two decades on from American Gangster.
Things are starting to heat up for the Gladiator sequel as a host of exciting talent are currently in talks to star in the upcoming flick. Reportedly joining Irish stars Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan is Hollywood legend Denzel Washington.
According to Deadline, the actor is in final negotiations to co-star in Scott’s sequel to his Oscar Best Picture winner.
Released in 2000, the original film starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general reduced to slavery after being betrayed by Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Maximus then becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the arena in order to get revenge.
It was confirmed earlier this year that Mescal, fresh from his Oscar nomination for Aftersun, will play Commodus’ nephew Lucius in the sequel.
This week, it was reported that Keoghan was also in talks, but his role is yet to be confirmed. If a deal is reached, The Banshees of Inisherin Oscar nominee will take on the role of Emperor Geta, a real-life emperor – though the sequel’s story is not based on true events.
Washington is known for being quite picky with his scripts and it was unsure whether or not he would be willing to take up a role. However, reports suggest that after reading the script he was excited about the role Scott had written with him in mind. Washington’s role is being kept under wraps.
Denzel Washington’s previous work with both Scott brothers
Washington worked with Scott’s late brother Tony Scott in thrillers like Crimson Tide, which was nominated for three Academy Awards, and Man on Fire. He then teamed with Ridley on the 2007 crime thriller American Gangster.
Washington was last seen in his Oscar-nominated role in The Tragedy of Macbeth. He stars in the third Equalizer film, releasing later this year.
The Gladiator sequel is set to release on 22 November 2024.
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