After 23 years, the Gladiator sequel is finally happening

More than two decades after the original blew audiences around the world away, a sequel for Gladiator is finally happening.

A sequel for Gladiator is expected to go into production this year.

It is one of the great action movies and now blockbuster director Ridley Scott is returning to Roman epic Gladiator with a sequel.

Rumours of a follow-up to the historical drama have swirled for five years, after the filmmaker hinted at a potential script which would allow him to revive the world brought to the screen by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, reported The Sun.

And now, 23 years after the original, the production team have begun casting for the major roles in a new movie. Filming is understood to be scheduled for May.

Locations have been chosen in the Moroccan city of Ouarzazate, which is building a reputation as a favourite site for movie makers due to its dramatic landscapes.

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Russell Crowe has yet to sign up for the sequel, perhaps for flashback sequences.

Details of a plot remain tightly under wraps after an early idea, written by rock star Nick Cave, which saw Crowe’s Maximus return from the dead via a “portal” was scrapped.

It is thought youngster Lucius Verus, the son of Roman Empress Lucilla, may provide the link to the original story.

It is hoped Russell’s hero will make an appearance in flashback scenes — as long as he signs up for a role.

Maximus died at the end of the movie and was seen being reunited with his murdered wife and son in the afterlife.

A source said: “This has been building since 2018 and for a long time it looked like it may never see the light of day.

“But suddenly late last year the production team really sprung into life after settling on a new script which seemed to inspire them.

“A few months later everything was up and running and now it’s well underway.

Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott while promoting the original film.

“They should be filming by May, which means there’s every chance the movie will be ready some time in 2024.

“Either way, this would be a huge box office draw. It’s one of the biggest action films of its era and was a massive hit. People have been asking Ridley about a follow-up for years, so there’s clearly a massive appetite for it.”

The first film raked in an impressive $US460 million at the box office.

It also featured veteran stars Derek Jacobi and Oliver Reed, in what would be his final role.

The film attracted critical acclaim, with five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor, as well as Bafta and Golden Globe success.

This article originally appeared on The Sun

Originally published as After 23 years, the Gladiator sequel is finally happening