Director Ridley Scott confirms Gladiator 3 plans ahead of theatrical release of upcoming sequel

Ridley Scott has confirmed plans for a third film in the Gladiator franchise, even before the release of Gladiator II.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter,  the 86-year-old director revealed his desire to make Gladiator III. 

When asked about his potential future projects after finishing Gladiator II,

Scott replied, “I’d rather get on into Gladiator III. There’s already an idea.”

Gladiator II, set to hit theatres in November 2024, comes two decades after the original film that garnered five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The sequel will centre on Lucius, the young boy from the first film, who is now an adult played by Paul Mescal. 

Set around 15 years after the original, Lucius has built a peaceful life in North Africa, but his world is thrown into chaos when the Roman Empire invades the region. 

Oscar-nominated director previously hinted at plans to complete the Gladiator trilogy with a third film in an interview with French magazine Premiere.

He said, “With that, I’m already toying with the idea of ​​Gladiator 3. No, seriously! I’ve lit the fuse,” Sc…

Scott’s vision for Gladiator III takes inspiration from the iconic storytelling of The Godfather Part II. 

Scott elaborated on his concept, “The ending of Gladiator II is reminiscent of The Godfather, with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want, and wondering, ‘Now, Father, what do I do?’”

“So the next (film) will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.”

The sequel features a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.

Nielsen and Derek Jacobi are set to reprise their roles from the first film.

Gladiator II is set to hit theatres on November 22, 2024.