Connie Nielsen Returns For GLADIATOR Sequel and STRANGER THINGS Star Joseph Quinn Also Cast

Director Ridley Scott is prepping for production on his Gladiator sequel, which I don’t think anyone thought would actually happen. But, this project is definitely going to get made and it was recently announced that Connie Nielsen will reprise her role as Lucilla. It was also revealed that Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn is in negotiations to play Emperor Caracalla.

Nielson and Quinn join the previously cast Paul Mescal as Lucius, Barry Keoghan as Emperor Geta, and Denzel Washington in a mystery role.

The movie centers on Lucius, the son of Lucilla, and nephew of Commodus, the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius who murdered his father and seized the throne. Commodus met his downfall in the gladiator ring against Maximus, who despite being mortally wounded, took down the emperor before passing on to reunite with his family. Maximus had saved Lucius and his mother, leaving a lasting impact on the young boy.

It will be interesting to see the mother-son relationship between Lucius and Lucilla expand in the sequel, as that is expected to play a big part of the film’s story arc.

Also returning from the original film are John Mathieson as Director of Photography, Arthur Max as Production Designer, and Janty Yates as Costume Designer. Paramount Pictures has dated the film for Nov. 22, 2024.