Pedro Pascal is the latest big-name star to enter into final talks to join Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ sequel.

In the sequel, Paul Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Maximus’ lover Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen). Barry Keoghan is in negotiations to play Emperor Geta. Denzel Washington is also in talks to join the cast.

Scott is returning to direct and produce the feature. David Scarpa is penning the script for the sequel, which Michael Pruss via Scott Free and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment will produce alongside Scott. Executive producers are Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. Also returning from the original film are cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max and costume designer Janty Yates.

Also in news – Netflix What’s Next for 2023/2024 – Britsh Talent take over steller content at the streamer

The original movie starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman soldier forced into slavery who vows revenge against Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

Scott and Washington previously worked together on 2007’s ‘American Gangster’, earning more than $265 million at the box office, netted nominations at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, and starred Crowe.