Paul Mescal cast in Gladiator sequel - but will NOT play Russell Crowe's iconic ... trends now
Paul Mescal has been cast in a sequel to the Oscar winning 2000 epic Gladiator it has been reported.
The Normal People actor, 26, is said to have 'always been' returning director Ridley Scott's choice for the part.
However he will reportedly not be playing the role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, which won Russell Crowe an Oscar in the original.
Casting: Paul Mescal, 26, has been cast in a sequel to the Oscar winning 2000 epic Gladiator it has been reported
According to Deadline Paul will play Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who now is a grown man as the story takes place many years after the first film ended.
Russell's titular gladiator who was killed at the end of the film, has not yet signed onto the movie, however fans are of course hoping he returns for a flashback scene.
No way: It's been said he will not be playing the role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, which won Russell Crowe an Oscar in the original
Paul's character, who was played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original was also the nephew of evil Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
MailOnline have contacted Paul's reps for comment.
Russell's character Maximus saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, and left a strong impression on the young Lucius.
It comes after The Sun reported that the film will begin shooting in May with filming locations already selected for Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Back again: Paul's character, who was played by Spencer Treat Clark, in the original was also the nephew of evil Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix)
With that locations in the Moroccan city chosen for filming, with a source estimating the sequel could be 'ready' as early as 2024.
'This has been building since 2018 and for a long time it looked like it may never see the light of
