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'The next generation': Fans excited about Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' with Barry Keoghan as antagonist

'Gladiator 2' will be directed by Ridley Scott and has Barry Keoghan, who recently starred in 'The Banshees of Inisherin', as the main antagonist

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The sword-and-sandal genre movie returns to the big screens in 2024 with an interesting sequel update to the beloved film 'Gladiator'. Just recently, news confirmed that Barry Keoghan is preparing to appear as the antagonist in Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' which stars Paul Mescal in the lead role. 'Gladiator' was one of the most iconic films of 2000, reintroducing the period genre to the big screens. The riveting movie starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla and Oliver Reed as Proximo. 'Gladiator' would set the benchmark for future films in the genre, that would be inspired by style and tone of the film. 'Gladiator' went on to win five Oscars, including 'Best Picture' with Crowe securing the statuette for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role'.

This cultural phenomenon of a movie is getting into proper franchise territory after two decades of development and struggle — the sequel to 'Gladiator' has officially been greenlit. 'Gladiator 2' will also be directed by Ridley Scott, who directed the first movie. The script has been penned by David Scarpa. 'Gladiator 2' is eying a November release date in 2024.

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Barry Keoghan cast in 'Gladiator 2'

The latest reports reveal Barry Keoghan will play the antagonist in 'Gladiator 2'. Barry is an Irish actor, who has recently appeared in the Oscar-nominated film, 'The Banshees of Inisherin' as Dominic Keamey. He has also played Druig in Marvel's 'Eternals' and George Mills in 'Dunkirk'.

Crowe has previously stated that the story of the sequel is set to follow Lucius becoming the Emperor. Lucius is the son of Lucilla, the sister of the power-hungry Commodus and the former lover of Maximus. In the first movie, Lucius was still a child. It is to be noted that Crowe had previously confirmed that he will not appear in the upcoming project.

'Perfect casting'

Ever since the news broke, fans have been really excited about the new pairing. One excited fan noted, "This new generation is beginning". While another fan commented on the perfect casting of the pair by adding, "If they're trying to live up to the Russell Crowe/ Joaquin Phoenix pairing, this is a good way to do it." One fan predicted the movie to be a hit by adding, "WE WON this is gonna be an all timer!!". But another concerned fan of the 'Gladiator' wrote, "I still ask why do we need a sequel to Gladiator. But these castings are really interesting. So its peeked my interest, but for the love of gawd I hope that script slaps if not, oh man."

'Will be there, no matter what'

One fan extended their support of the news by adding, "Man, I will be there, no matter what." Another fan noted, "Woah. Future Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor". One fan commented by adding, "So it’s a spiritual sequel set in Ireland. Love it". One fan shared their support by commenting, "I already like this movie. I can listen to them talk all day."

'Gladiator' is currently streaming on Paramount +.

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