The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, was just given a release date of November 22, 2024, by Paramount.

According to what Deadline first reported, Aftersun Best Actor nominee Paul Mescal is in talks to appear in the film.

Based on David Scarpa’s script, Scott produces alongside Michael Pruss, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher.

Mescal isn’t replacing Russell Crowe’s Maximus from the first movie, who died, as Justin Kroll first reported. He plays Lucius, the grown-up son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), in the story, which takes place years after the conclusion of the first film. Additionally, Lucius was the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Marcus Aurelius’s son who assassinated his father and ascended to the throne. Maximus and Commodus ended up in the gladiator ring together. Maximus, who was fatally wounded, mocked the emperor before disappearing into the great beyond to see his wife and son. Maximus left a lasting impression on the young Lucius by saving the boy and his mother while exacting revenge on his own family.

The weekend before Thanksgiving 2024 is November 22. On the date, no other tentpoles are currently scheduled. A Disney animated film with no title will be released before Gladiator 2 on November 27.