Gladiator 3: Ridley Scott Teases Potential Third Movie, Discusses Plot Details

Gladiator 3 may be happening.

The first Gladiator movie was released in 2000. Directed by Ridley Scott, it starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus. The movie was a massive hit, as it grossed $465.4 million at the global box office. It also won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Crowe).

A sequel, Gladiator II, is now releasing in United States theaters this coming November. 

Speaking to Premiere, Scott said that he’s already toying with the idea of a potential Gladiator 3 and that he’s got some ideas about where the story could go next.

What did Ridley Scott say about a potential Gladiator 3?

“With that, I’m already toying with the idea of Gladiator 3,” he said (translated from French to English). “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.”

Paul Mescal, who stars in Gladiator II, said (translated from French to English) of Scott’s comments about Gladiator 3, “Yes, Ridley spoke to me about it, but only yesterday! So I’m waiting to see what’s going to happen, but I’m interested, of course. But we can’t rush anything: the story has to hold together.”

Along with Mescal, Gladiator II stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, and Derek Jacobi.

“From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people,” reads the synopsis.

Gladiator II will be released in United States theaters on November 22, 2024, from Paramount Pictures.