We reported last year that Ridley Scott was planning a “Gladiator” sequel that may or may not have followed Russell Crowe’s Maximus through the afterlife, though Russe’s aging since the original’s completion would seem to complicate that. Well, Scott appears to be moving forward with a sequel, though now it will focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
Sources said Paramount will be the studio developing the project, and Universal has the option to co-finance. Maximus’ tragic and noble story will be very difficult to follow up, but who doesn’t like movies about gladiators?