The Banshees of Inisherin star Barry Keoghan welcomed his first-ever Academy Award nomination this year. But it looks like the Irish actor has reached yet another milestone as he is reportedly set to join forces with one of the most renowned filmmakers in Hollywood, Ridley Scott, for Gladiator 2.
Popular for his roles in independent projects, Keoghan has received critical acclamation for his performance in several films including Christopher Nolan’s war drama titled Dunkirk and The Killing of a Sacred Deer wherein he worked alongside award-winning stars like Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. The BAFTA winner has also appeared in superhero/action movies like Eternals and The Batman.
Having dipped his toes in an array of different genres from crime thrillers to comedies, it looks like Keoghan might just be trying his hand at historical drama next with Gladiator 2.
Barry Keoghan Reportedly Joining the Cast of Gladiator 2
After more than three decades of waiting, the director of 2000’s blockbuster historical drama, Gladiator, is finally in the works to helm the much-awaited sequel. And the cast that Ridley Scott is assembling seems to be just as epic as the film is anticipated to be.
According to new reports, Barry Keoghan will be stepping on board the film’s cast as the primary antagonist opposite fellow Oscar nominee Paul Mescal, who is to star as the upcoming sequel’s hero. Rumors claim that Keoghan, 30, will be representing Publius Septimius, also popularly known as Geta, the formidable Roman Emperor who led the Eternal City from 209 to 211.
Meanwhile, Aftersun star Mescal will be taking over Lucius’ role in the Paramount sequel which was previously portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the first movie.
All We Know About Gladiator 2
While Scott is returning to the directing chair, production designer Arthur Max who worked on Gladiator will also be making a comeback along with costume designer Janty Yates, as reported by Deadline.
Gladiator 2 will be set years after the first film, showcasing the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) who has left his childhood days behind with Gladiator, as Mescal will play an older version of the character instead. Keoghan is the latest reported addition to the cast with the rest of the characters still not revealed. Characters from the first film which made it through like those of Derek Jacobi and Djimon Hounsou could very well make an appearance in the sequel but no information on that front has been divulged yet.
Though the sequel’s plot and storyline are currently being kept under a strict wrap, if the first movie was any indication then Ridley’s trip to Rome will certainly be an unforgettable adventure.
Gladiator 2 will hit theatres on November 22, 2024.
Source: Film Updates via Twitter
