After months of rumors that Barry Keoghan would star in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” the director spoke about Keoghan’s deliberate casting within the New York Instances this week. As a result of scheduling conflicts, Keoghan departed the swords-and-sandals sequel to movie Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” in summer season 2022.
“I like Ridley Scott,” Keoghan instructed IndieWire throughout a latest interview for the discharge of his newest movie “Chicken.” “I believe he’s simply legendary. And once more, Ridley is one other one that you just simply soar on that chance. It didn’t work for scheduling causes. However feck, man, you realize, it’s like this man is evaluating me to those actors that I like and, from a filmmaker like him, it was very nice to learn that. It actually was. I’m a large fan of … Paul [Mescal]. Paul’s a good friend, and I’m actually excited. I like ‘Gladiator.’ So I’m actually excited to see the place it goes. I need to get to see that on the large display.”
“Barry is without doubt one of the good ones, the identical degree as Joaquin Phoenix and Paul Mescal,” Scott instructed the Instances. “Barry is so advanced and truly has it beneath management. I do know he’s a little bit of a problem, nevertheless it’s value it. Like deciding on Joaquin, it’s value it.”
Keoghan beforehand instructed IndieWire, “I’m a large fan of ‘Gladiator’ and a large fan of that solid. It’s a disgrace you possibly can’t do each. However that occurs on this sport. You possibly can’t do each.”
“Gladiator II,” which Paramount opens November 22, stars Mescal as Lucius, son of Russell Crowe’s character Maximus within the authentic 2000 movie. Years after witnessing Maximus’ dying, Lucius is captured from an African colony and compelled to enter the Roman Colosseum, battling it out in opposition to the likes of Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington as Rome is overtaken by tyrannical emperors.
The Paramount sequel is written by Scott’s “Napoleon” screenwriter David Scarpa. Authentic “Gladiator” collaborators, costume designer Janty Yates and manufacturing designer Arthur Max, are return together with director-producer Scott. Scott Free President Michael Pruss, plus Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher through Crimson Wagon Leisure, are additionally producing.
Scott additionally teased not too long ago that he has an concept for a 3rd installment to the franchise, impressed by Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather: Half II.”
“Gladiator 2” premieres November 22 in theaters. Take a look at the trailer right here.