Barry Keoghan in talks to join Gladiator sequel

Earlier, we had reported that acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott’s historical epic drama Gladiator is getting a sequel twenty-three years after its release. The latest update is that Barry Keoghan, who recently received an Oscar nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin, is in talks to join the cast of Gladiator 2. Keoghan is expected to play Emperor Geta if a deal closes.

Gladiator 2 will follow the story of Lucius as a grown man. Reportedly, Paul and Ridley have begun having serious meetings for the role after the first draft of the film was ready in November last year. The script of Gladiator 2 is being developed by David Scarpa. Other actors who were considered for the role include Richard Madden and Timothée Chalamet, as well as last summer's hot-shot film stars Miles Teller and Austin Butler.

The lead of Gladiator 2, Paul Mescel, recently received his first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his highly appreciated performance in Charlotte Wells' Aftersun. In Gladiator, he will be playing the role of Lucius Versus, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus.