Gladiator 2: SEQUEL shock for Russell Crowe classic – and THIS is what it’s about

The Russell Crowe-fronted original had a very definitive ending, at least for Crowe’s Maximus.

Now it seems a new movie will focus on Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus.

According to Deadline, Ridley Scott has got wagons rolling under his Scott Free company, and wants to direct the next movie himself.

Peter Craig has allegedly been recruited to write the script – and he has form with long-overdue sequels, having penned the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick.

The report suggests Paramount will develop the sequel, with Universal given the option to co-finance.

But DreamWorks, who made the original, are not thought to be involved.

Gladiator, released in 2000, had huge success including five Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe and three more.

It was also hailed with Best Picture prizes at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs at the time.

Crowe – presumably unlikely to appear – spoke fondly of the movie in an interview earlier this year.

“On the set of Gladiator I built up a relationship with [Scott] that would last forever,” The Hot Corn quotes him as saying.

“It felt like we were in the trenches together, gradually putting the movie together as we filmed it.

“Ridley did a job that was both epic and magical. And I can clearly remember when he told me that the production company was wrong to think of the film as an action movie to sell to teenagers.

“He was right: after just two weeks it was clear to everyone that the female audience was the biggest.

“Basically, the film is an emotional journey and Maximus Decimus Meridius gave me one of the most gratifying experiences of my career.

“I’m not saying he is my absolute favourite, but I really loved him.”

Gladiator 2 does not yet have an official title or release date.