Before the release of the highly anticipated Gladiator II, Ridley Scott announced his plans for Gladiator 3, the third instalment in the Gladiator franchise. Drawing an intriguing comparison to The Godfather, Scott envisions a sequel that explores themes of reluctant leadership and fate, as per Variety. The full quote is as follows:
I’m already toying with the idea of Gladiator 3. No, seriously! I’ve lit the fuse… The ending of Gladiator II is reminiscent of The Godfather, with Michael Corleone finding himself with a job he didn’t want, and wondering, “Now, Father, what do I do? ” So the next [film] will be about a man who doesn’t want to be where he is.
Gladiator II, which follows the journey of Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, marks a return to the epic saga nearly two decades after the original film. Lucius, initially introduced as a child in the first Gladiator film, finds himself thrust into the brutal world of gladiators, echoing the life of Russell Crowe’s Maximus.
The narrative Scott proposes suggests Gladiator 3 could delve into Lucius’ ascent to power, mirroring Michael Corleone’s reluctant rise as a mob boss. Scott’s remarks hint at a storyline where Lucius might end up as emperor by the close of Gladiator II, a position he never sought. This plot line could explore his struggles and reluctance in a position of immense power.
Despite his enthusiasm for a third Gladiator film, it remains uncertain whether this project will take precedence over Scott’s numerous other endeavours. At 86, Scott juggles a diverse slate of upcoming films, including a Bee Gees biopic (Queen & Country), and several other historical and literary adaptations.
While Scott’s innovative vision for Gladiator 3 captures the imagination, its realisation will heavily depend on the commercial success of Gladiator II. The sequel’s substantial budget, estimated between US$250-310 million, sets high stakes for its box office performance. As the industry and fans alike await the release of Gladiator II, Scott’s forward-looking creativity continues to fuel excitement for the future of this iconic series.
For now, fans can look forward to Gladiator II entering the Colosseum on 14 November.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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