Back in 2000, director Ridley Scott (and screenwriters David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson) took us back to 180 AD for Gladiator, which told the story of Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius (played by Russell Crowe), who is favored by Emperor Marcus Aurelius to be his successor because his own son, Commodus, is unfit to rule. Commodus disagrees, so he murders his father, has Maximus arrested, and has Maximus’s wife and son killed. While Commodus establishes himself as the new emperor, Maximus escapes from captivity – only to be captured again, this time by slavers who sell him off to become a gladiator. Soon he’s fighting in front of Commodus in Rome’s Colosseum… and it all builds up to Commodus challenging Maximus to a duel. Gladiator was a major box office success and racked up multiple Academy Award wins, including Best Picture. So there was already talk of a sequel in 2001, but it ended up taking more than twenty years to get a sequel into production. Gladiator II is now ready to reach theatres, courtesy of Paramount Pictures (domestic) and Universal Pictures (international) on November 22, 2024 – so we have put together a list of everything we know about this sequel.

DIRECTOR AND SCRIPT

Ridley Scott always planned to return to the helm for Gladiator II. The hold-up was the script. Since Maximus died at the end of Gladiator, screenwriters found it very difficult to figure out how to continue the story, especially since the initial idea was that Russell Crowe would return as Maximus in some capacity. The first writers to be involved were David Franzoni and John Logan, who crafted a story that would pick up fifteen years after the events of the first movie and center on the Lucius character, who was a child played by Spencer Treat Clark in Gladiator. While the Praetorian Guards rule Rome, Lucius would be trying to find out the truth of his parentage because the idea was always that, even though his mother (Commodus’s sister Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen) would say that his father was the late Lucius Verus, it was actually Maximus. This story would have allowed for some prequel elements, but would have also seen Maximus being resurrected… somehow. According to Crowe, there was a time when they were just going to have Maximus rise from the dead like Jesus Christ.

Musician Nick Cave was hired to write his own version of the script, and this one has gotten a lot of attention because how over-the-top and insane it was. Cave’s title of choice was Christ Killer, and would have (as Cave explained on Marc Maron’s podcast) “found Maximus in purgatory as he’s sent down by the gods, who are dying in Heaven because there’s this one god, there’s this Christ character, down on Earth who is gaining popularity and so the many gods are dying so they send Gladiator back to kill Christ and his followers. Maximus was tricked by the gods, as the Christ character that they’ve sent him to kill was his own son, the one who died in the first movie. The end of the film would have found Maximus living forever, fighting battles throughout history, such as the Crusades, World War II, and Vietnam, before ending up as a General in the modern-day Pentagon.”

Things got quiet for a decade after Cave turned in his script, but in 2017 Scott started pushing the sequel forward again while swearing that he had found a way to bring Maximus back that would make sense. The Town and Top Gun: Maverick writer Peter Craig was hired to write a new script that would again center on Lucius, this time 25 to 30 years after the events of Gladiator. Craig found the idea tough to crack, so then Scott brought on his Napoleon writer David Scarpa. And it’s Scarpa who wrote the script that finally went into production in 2023.

CAST

Paul Mescal (Normal People) leads the long-awaited sequel, playing the adult Lucius. One report let us know, “Before he died, Maximus rescued Lucius and his mother from the clutches of the young man’s uncle, Commodus. The event left an impression on Lucius, who aspires to be as formidable as Maximus as he braves a harsh world.” Mescal is joined in the cast by Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus) as Emperor Geta (replacing Barry Keoghan in the role, as he had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Emperor Caracalla, and – in roles that weren’t specified when their involvement was announced – Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Lior Raz (The Crowded Room), Peter Mensah (Spartacus), and Matt Lucas (Wonka).

May Calamawy (Moon Knight) is in there as well, and while we don’t know who she’s playing, it was said that her character is quite important to the story, so Scott did a “thorough search” before Calamawy earned the role over the course of multiple auditions.

Gladiator cast member Derek Jacobi is reprising the role of Senator Gracchus and Connie Nielsen is back as Lucius’s mother Lucilla. Scott made sure to involve Nielsen as much as possible during the development of the story.

Denzel Washington (American Gangster) is playing someone Scott described to Deadline as being a character who is parallel to Lucius. “The owner of a business that supplied weapons for the Romans, who supplied the oil when they traveled, who supplied the wine they drink. They wouldn’t drink water, they drank wine. When they traveled, who would supply wagons and horses and tack? There had to be the arms dealers of the period; here is a man who already rich from supplying the weapons, the catapults. His hobby is like a racing stable except it’s gladiators. He’s got a stable of 30 or 40 gladiators. He likes to actually see them fight and it evolves that that’s where he came from. He was captured in North Africa, and evolved into a free man because he was a good gladiator. But he hides that because also he’s now realizing the potential of his actual power. He’s wealthier than most senators, so already has thoughts and designs of the possible idea of taking power from these two crazy princes.”

Absent from the cast is Russell Crowe, as Maximus remains in his grave after all. Crowe doesn’t seem pleased that people keep asking him about the sequel – during an appearance at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, he said, “They should be f*cking paying me for the amount of questions I get asked about the f*cking film that I am not even in.” – but he has also said that he thinks it will be “absolutely spectacular” and he’s jealous of the experiences Mescal got to have on set.

PRODUCTION

Gladiator II started filming in May of 2023 – and the production wasn’t an easy ride. A month into filming, six crew members were left with non-life-threatening burn injuries when they were accidentally caught in a large explosion that went off during the filming of a stunt sequence. A studio spokesperson assured The Sun that “The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment.”

Two months into filming, production had to shut down due to the Screen Actors Guild strike. The strike went on from July into November, with Scott using that time to edit together 90 minutes of footage (and possibly film some more footage with non-SAG extras). Before filming could resume in December, the deteriorating sets had to be repaired. A massive recreation of ancient Rome, including a life-size Colosseum, had been built for the production, and these open-air sets had to be left sitting there for four months while the strike played out. So it took some time to fix them up before the cast and crew could get back to work.

The strike helped the budget get out of hand. The movie was supposed to cost $165 million, but The Hollywood Reporter revealed that costs had ballooned to somewhere in the $250 million to $310 million range. For this project alone, the studio lost $600,000 a week during the strike.

There were also rumblings from PETA about the mistreatment of horses and monkeys on the set, but crew members refuted those claims, saying the Humane Society was always on set to oversee the treatment of the animals.

Filming wrapped in January after taking place in England, Morocco, and Malta. By filming in Malta (which was also a filming location for the first movie), the production earned a €46.7 million rebate, which is over $50 million in USD. So that brings some relief, despite the budget being out of control.

CINEMACON TRAILER

A five-minute trailer, which was preceded by a video introduction in which Scott said Gladiator II is “more spectacular than the original,” was screened at the CinemaCon event in early April. JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray was in attendance and reported that the trailer was incredible. He wrote in, “Paul Mescal looks a lot like Russell Crowe, with the same beard. Lucius is a gladiator trained by Denzel Washington’s character. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal is a Roman general trying to lead a revolt against the sadistic emperor (Joseph Quinn). At some point, Quinn and Mescal meet in the gladiator ring for a battle. The games are more sadistic this time, with the gladiators fighting wild baboons unarmed and a rhino. You also see lots of Connie Nielsen, who seems to be in cahoots with Denzel and opposes the emperor. Gladiator II has a ton of action and intrigue. Mescal and Pascal look like they handle the action side, with no shots of Denzel fighting.”

Not mentioned in that write-up was the fact that the trailer features “a scene where they flood the Colosseum and have the gladiators fight sharks.” Which might sound over-the-top and ridiculous to some, but in the early days of the Colosseum, the place would occasionally be flooded so it could be used to host staged ship battles called naumachia… and yes, apparently they would release sharks and other sea creatures into the flooded structure as well. So there is a reflection of reality in this insanity.

That’s everything we know about Gladiator II right now, but with the release date just seven months away, we should be learning more about the film very soon.

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Instead of sending in the lions, Paramount unleashed a first look at Ridley Scott’s highly-anticipated Gladiator II at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Appropriately screened at Caesar’s Palace, where the annual onslaught of film and television previews takes place, the sequel to Scott’s 2000 action drama starring Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix includes a brutal display of power and corruption as Lucius (Paul Mescal) aims to become as formidable as Crowe’s iconic character Maximus Decimus Meridius.

During Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation for Gladiator II, Ridley Scott introduced the film from London while the entire cast sent comments in a video compilation. Scott says Gladiator II is more spectacular than the original. Thems bold words, sir!

Pedro Pascal has always been a huge Gladiator fan and has seen it twice in theaters. Meanwhile, Denzel Washington says the new film is why people go to the movies.

JoBlo’s editor-in-chief, Chris Bumbray, says the 5-minute trailer is incredible. Paul Mescal looks a lot like Crowe, with the same beard. Lucius is a gladiator trained by Denzel’s character. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal is a Roman general trying to lead a revolt against the sadistic emperor (Joseph Quinn). At some point, Quinn and Mescal meet in the gladiator ring for a battle. The games are more sadistic this time, with the gladiators fighting wild baboons unarmed and a rhino. You also see lots of Nielsen, who seems to be in cahoots with Denzel and opposes the emperor. Gladiator II has a ton of action and intrigue. Mescal and Pascal look like they handle the action side, with no shots of Denzel fighting.

A promotional standee for Gladiator II is one of the first displays CinemaCon attendees see when they enter the event. The promo teases the action, deception, and bloodlust to come in Scott’s new film, and now we’ve got a better idea of what to expect when the film arrives in theaters on November 22, 2024. 

Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers, Normal People, Aftersun) leads Gladiator II, taking over the lead from Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who is fully grown in the sequel. The story takes place several years after Maximus’ death in the original. Before he died, Maximus rescued Lucius and his mother from the clutches of the young man’s uncle, Commodus (Phoenix). The event left an impression on Lucius, who aspires to be as formidable as Maximus as he braves a harsh world.

Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Denzel Washington (Philadelphia), Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Matt Lucas (Wonka), Fred Hechinger (The Woman in the Window), Derek Jacobi (Dead Again), and May Calamawy (Moon Knight) join Mescal as primary cast members in Gladiator II. Ridley Scott directs the Gladiator sequel from a script by David Scarpa (All The Money In the World).

Are you excited about Gladiator II? Let us know in the comments section below.

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CiniemaCon 2024 is upon us, and as we prepare for a deluge of news, previews, and commentary from the show floor, JoBlo’s Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, has spotted the official title for Ridley Scott’s upcoming Gladiator sequel. Forgoing subtitles, such as Gladiator: Blood on the Sand or Gladiator: Wicked Empire, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel is titled Gladiator II. While the title is simple, it aptly includes the Roman numeral for two. I see what you did there, Mr. Scott. Sometimes, the obvious choice is also the correct one.

Gladiator 2 is one of the year’s hotly-anticipated films after Ridley Scott’s original, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Wilson, became a favorite among film buffs, with some calling it “magnificent,” “compelling,” and “richly enjoyable.” Near the film’s release, you couldn’t go more than a day without someone shouting, “Are you not entertained?” in your face, referring to Crowe’s iconic character Maximus Decimus Meridius. The quote quickly became as memeable as violently kicking someone into an abyss, like in Zack Snyder’s 300.

Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers, Normal People, Aftersun) leads Gladiator II, taking over the lead from Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who is fully grown in the sequel. The story takes place several years after Maximus’ death in the original. Before he died, Maximus rescued Lucius and his mother from the clutches of the young man’s uncle, Commodus (Phoenix). The event left an impression on Lucius, who aspires to be as formidable as Maximus as he braves a harsh world.

Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Denzel Washington (Philadelphia), Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Matt Lucas (Wonka), Fred Hechinger (The Woman in the Window), Derek Jacobi (Dead Again), and May Calamawy (Moon Knight) join Mescal as primary cast members in Gladiator II. Ridley Scott directs the Gladiator sequel from a script by David Scarpa (All The Money In the World).

The Gladiator II display at CinemaCon is a massive shield with the words “What we do in life echoes in eternity” etched into the formidable material. Beneath what looks like a crest (or the head of a statue), we see the title Gladiator II. The display is in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where CinemaCon takes place. There’s lots to see from the show floor, so check back later today for a look at this year’s CinemaCon offerings.

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II arrives in theaters on November 22, 2024.

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When Ridley Scott’s Gladiator hit the big screen in 2000, it captivated audiences worldwide with  its thrilling tale of honor, vengeance, and redemption set in ancient Rome. The film’s grandeur,  stunning visuals, and gripping performances made it an instant classic, so much so that nearly a quarter of a century later a sequel is finally on the way. However, what many  might not know is that Gladiator drew inspiration from a real-life story, one that is equally as  captivating, though with its own unique twists and turns. Sometimes reality is much stranger than  fiction, so let’s find out What Really Happened To Gladiator?  

Gladiator: Fact Vs Fiction

In the film, Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) is a legendary general in the army of the Roman Empire. The  aged Emperor Marcus Aurelius decides to appoint Maximus as his successor over his own son  Commodus. This angers Commodus, who orders Maximus to be put to death, but the general is  able to escape before the sentence can be carried out. He hurries home to his wife and child only  to find they have been killed.  

While wallowing in his grief, Maximus is captured and put into slavery. It is here that he is put  into gladiator combat by Proximo. At first, he refuses to fight, but soon his fighting skills kick in,  and Proximo is impressed by his tactics. He is put into the gladiator games and begins to earn the  audience’s approval. When he learns they will be heading back to Rome to participate in a  gladiator games marathon, Proximo reveals he used to be a gladiator. When he won enough  matches, he was granted his freedom. Maximus thinks this might be his chance to get close to  Commodus and finally exact his revenge. How close to history is the film?  

The core of Gladiator revolves around the characters of Marcus Aurelius, the wise and just  Emperor of Rome, and Commodus, his treacherous and power-hungry son. In reality, Marcus  Aurelius was indeed a revered philosopher-king who ruled Rome from 161 to 180 AD. He was  known for his intellectual pursuits and his military successes against the Germanic tribes. One  fact that the film completely omits is that Marcus actually shared the role of Ruler Of Rome with  his adopted brother Lucius Verus. The two consulted each other about the decisions for the  empire.  

In terms of character, Marcus Aurelius shared some similarities with his on-screen portrayal. He  possessed a deep sense of duty and sought to leave a legacy of Roman rule guided by wisdom  and justice. However, unlike the film, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Marcus  Aurelius intended to restore the Roman Republic or that he wished to appoint any of his Generals  as his successor. He wasn’t killed by his son but actually died during the Antonine Plague. The  Marcomannic Wars from the opening of the film actually lasted until after his death.  

Commodus was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius and ascended to the throne after his father’s  death. However, the film exaggerates his villainous nature, depicting him as a bloodthirsty  megalomaniac driven solely by a lust for power. While Commodus was not a virtuous ruler, his  reign lasted for over a decade, during which he enacted some reforms and undertook a series of  gladiatorial combats. His demise came at the hands of Narcisuss while Commodus was in his  bath. 

It was discovered that his sister Lucilla had been part of the plot to kill him. When this was  discovered, she was exiled to Capri, where she was eventually executed. Once Commodus was  killed, Rome would end up having five rulers as a power struggle broke out among those in  power. Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus, and Septimius Severus  would all serve as Emperors in one year.  

Gladiator Facts

The film’s protagonist Maximus was not a real person but instead was a combination of multiple  people throughout Roman history. Marcus Nonius Macrinus was a general in the Roman Army  who was close to Marcus Aurelius. The ruler trusted him so much he was appointed to Roman  Council. The humble beginnings of Maximus may have been inspired by Cincinnatus, a Roman  Emperor who only ruled for fifteen days. He was said to have been a simple farmer who was  appointed ruler. During his short reign. it was said that he stopped an invasion of Rome.  

One person who may have been a big inspiration to Maximus’ plight in the film is Lucius Annaeus  Seneca, also known as Seneca the Younger. He was born into an aristocratic family in Cordoba,  Spain around 4 BC and became one of Rome’s most prominent philosophers and statesmen  during the reigns of emperors Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.  

Seneca’s life took a dark turn when he became embroiled in political intrigue during Nero’s reign.  Despite being one of Nero’s closest advisors at first, their relationship eventually soured due to  rumors that Seneca was involved in plots against him. In 65 AD, after being accused of  conspiring in the Pisonian conspiracy against Nero (of which historians now believe he had no  part), Seneca was ordered to commit suicide by opening his veins. He didn’t seek revenge against  those that accused him of being part of the plot but instead was executed.  

Another may be Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus, who was thought to have been the preferred  candidate to replace Aurelius but declined the position when it was offered to him. Perhaps the  most famous inspiration for Maximus was Spartacus. He led a revolt of the slaves, and this also  takes place in the film as Maximus seeks his revenge.  

One of the most captivating aspects of Gladiator was its depiction of the gladiatorial games and  the grandeur of the Colosseum. The film showcased the brutal nature of these spectacles and the  immense popularity they enjoyed among the Roman populace. The portrayal of Maximus, the  seasoned general turned gladiator, winning the hearts of the crowd and seeking revenge against  Commodus, adds an intense dramatic touch to the narrative.  

In reality, gladiatorial combat was indeed a prominent form of entertainment in ancient Rome.  Gladiators were typically slaves or prisoners of war who fought for their lives in often brutal  matches. However, it is worth noting that Gladiator takes some creative liberties, combining  elements of different historical periods and venues to enhance the cinematic experience. 

One of the stranger elements of the gladiatorial arena of Rome was that Commodus would  actively participate in combat. He would don a gladiator uniform made of lion skins (that he had  killed himself in the arena) and fight against other competitors. It was thought that he would only  slightly wound the participants, and they would submit to him since they knew he was emperor.  It does make Commodus seem like a significantly more interesting character than the one from  the film.  

Gladiator Fiction

While Gladiator draws inspiration from real events and historical figures, it is important to  recognize that the film takes significant liberties with the historical record. It prioritizes drama,  spectacle, and emotional storytelling over strict historical accuracy. This is a common practice in  the film industry, where the goal is to entertain and engage the audience rather than adhere  strictly to historical facts.  

However, the film’s creative deviations do not diminish its impact or entertainment value. In fact,  the fictional narrative constructed around the historical framework serves to create a captivating  and emotionally charged story that resonates with viewers. The themes of honor, loyalty, and the  pursuit of justice transcend the boundaries of time and offer universal appeal.  

Gladiator stands as a testament to the power of cinema to bring historical events to life and  captivate audiences worldwide. While the film draws inspiration from the real-life story of  Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, it takes creative liberties to enhance its dramatic impact. The  fictional tale of Maximus, the valiant general seeking vengeance in the gladiatorial arena,  captivated audiences and propelled Gladiator to the status of an epic masterpiece.  By weaving together elements of history, mythology, and human drama, the film transports  viewers to ancient Rome and immerses them in a world of grandeur and conflict. While the real  story may differ in certain aspects, the film’s ability to evoke emotions and inspire awe remains  undiminished. Ultimately, Gladiator serves as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling  and its ability to transcend time and bring history to life on the silver screen.

Sources:
https://screenrant.com/gladiator-movie-true-story-roman-history-accuracy-changes/ https://ancientromanhistoryrevival.com/gladiator-the-real-story/
https://www.looper.com/315516/is-gladiator-based-on-a-true-story/
https://collider.com/is-gladiator-historically-accurate/

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Paramount could throw Ridley Scott to the lions if Gladiator 2 fails to perform like gangbusters at the box office. A new report from The Hollywood Reporter reveals the ballooning cost of production on the anticipated sequel, with insiders close to the project saying the film budgeted at $165 million is closer to $310 million. Let that amount sink in for a moment.

Per THR’s sources, the net cost of the 49-day shoot was under $250 million. “It’s a runaway,” says one source. “It’s not being managed.” How did this happen? The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes did not help. Production for Gladiator 2 shut down in July because of the negotiations, costing the studio $600,000 a week, roughly $10 million. Scott resumed filming in December, though some say he continued to capture footage using extras during the strikes.

Some wonder if the Gladiator 2 set was cursed. In June, six crewmembers sustained non-life-threatening burn injuries. Additionally, PETA wrote Scott an open letter about how a “whistleblower” informed them about the mistreatment of horses and monkeys. However, crewmembers insist the Humane Society was always on-site, overseeing the treatment and care of the animals.

“While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the Gladiator sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries,” a Paramount spokesperson said in a statement last year. “The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment. The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.”

Mescal leads the sequel to Ridley Scott‘s action-drama, taking over the lead from Russell Crowe’s Maximus from the first film. Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who is fully grown in the sequel. The story takes place several years after Maximus’ death in the original. Before he died, Maximus rescued Lucius and his mother from the clutches of the young man’s uncle, Commodus (Phoenix). The event left an impression on Lucius, who aspires to be as formidable as Maximus as he braves a harsh world.

Ridley Scott directs the Gladiator sequel from a script by David Scarpa (All The Money In the World). The film stars Paul Mescal (Aftersun) as Lucius, the young boy who idolized Maximus (Russell Crowe) in the original movie. The cast also includes Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3), Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman), May Calamawy (Moon Knight), Lior Raz (The Crowded Room), Peter Mensah (Spartacus), Matt Lucas (Wonka), Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus), and Derek Jacobi (Murder on the Orient Express). Russell Crowe isn’t involved in the new Gladiator movie, but he did express a slight amount of jealousy about the experience Mescal has ahead of him.

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Paramount Pictures didn’t have a bad 2023 but had put a lot of hopes on the latest in the Mission: Impossible franchise to push them towards a great year. After Tom Cruise soared with Top Gun: Maverick, they had hoped fans would flock to theaters once again to see him in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning: Part One. Off that’s a long title. It underperformed, so the next film will get a new name. What can fans look forward to on Paramount’s 2024 release schedule?

Bob Marley: One Love – Now Playing

A new music biopic, which has been a trend that has proved profitable over the last few decades. This one is with the cooperation of the Marley family. I’m curious to see if the film will show anything that might put the singer in a bad light. The biggest problem with these types of films is that they try to paint the subject in the best light possible. They might acknowledge the problems that followed them, but it’s usually to show them overcome them. Either way, it should be an interesting insight into the legendary musician. Read our review!

If – May 17th

John Krasinski has been getting a lot of praise over the last few years. With his work on the Quiet Place franchise, he seems to have earned quite a place for himself as a filmmaker. This children’s movie is labeled as “From The Imagination Of John Krasinski” as a selling point. Seems like a lot to put on the faith of one guy who was in The Office. It also has Ryan Reynolds, and that guy seems to print money, so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. I was hoping for more of a take on imaginary friends along the lines of Drop Dead Fred, but this looks more targeted towards younger kids. It would be nice if Fred at least got a name-drop.

A Quiet Place: Day One – June 28th

This is labelled as a spin-off of the popular franchise focusing on the initial invasion of the alien antagonists we know (and fear) from this franchise. Lupita Nyong’o stars opposite newly minted Fantastic Four star Joseph Quinn. So far, we don’t really know exactly what the whole premise is, but it looks to be just as good as the other films, even if it has a new director in Pig‘s Michael Sarnoski. This is perhaps the biggest release on Paramount’s 2024 release schedule.

Transformers One – September 13th

An animated prequel to the popular film franchise will be set on Cybertron. It is said it will focus on the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The cast is stacked with A-List power from Scarlett Johansson, Laurence Fishburn, and Chris Hemsworth. The latter of which will replace all-time best Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen in the role. We’ll have to see if that’s a good choice or not. Are we tired of Transformers movies? It seems like the popularity keeps going down, but Paramount seems intent on keeping them going.

Smile 2 – October 18th

This film has for sure been rushed into development after the first film was a surprise smash. It was initially supposed to go straight to streaming, but it was given a theatrical run after test screenings went very positively. The response from audiences made it number 1 at the box office. Last year was great for the horror genre, and this film definitely helped. It’s no surprise that this film was pushed forward to quickly capitalize. Will it be a great follow-up to the original, or are they making a mistake? With their interesting marketing campaign of sending people out to sporting events to sit in the front row and look directly into the camera, I can only hope to see something fun starting with the Super Bowl.

Gladiator 2 – November 22nd

When this was announced, it seemed like a strange idea. The main character died (SPOILER!) at the end of the first film. How can we continue this story without Russell Crowe’s award-winning performance? Well, according to the very limited details we know about the film, you have it follow Lucius. He is the son of Maximus’ love Lucilla. Okay. Even if that doesn’t lead some fans into the theater, the cast is loaded with some great performers who should put on some interesting performances. Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal are the two biggest names, along with Connie Nielson reprising her character from the original. With Ridley Scott back at the helm, it should at least be worth checking out.+

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 – December 20th

Mario may have finally gotten a decent film in 2023, but Sonic has been doing a pretty good job since 2020. After some retooling of the graphics, that is. An early trailer nearly destroyed any chance this franchise had, but the studio listened to fans. With the recent news that Jim Carrey is returning as Dr. Robotnik for this outing, fans have to be excited. Now that Sonic is a full-fledged movie star, when are we going to end up getting a full-on Super Smash Bros. movie? Do it!

What are you looking forward to from Paramount’s 2024 release schedule? Let us know in the comments.

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Deadline reports that Ridley Scott is in negotiations to direct a movie about the Bee Gees, the iconic musical group formed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb.

Ridley Scott recently wrapped production on the Gladiator sequel, and in true Ridley Scott fashion, he’s already looking for another project. I wish I had half his energy. Should Scott close the deal to helm the Bee Gees movie for Paramount Pictures, he would also produce through his Scott Free banner along with Michael Pruss. John Logan (Alien: Covenant) has penned the script for the project.

At first glance, a movie about the Bee Gees may not seem like something that screams Ridley Scott, but the project would actually be a full-circle moment for the director. Back when he was getting started, Scott had a connection with Bee Gees manager Robert Stigwood who had tapped him to direct a medieval movie that would have starred the three brothers. However, the project fell apart, and Scott went on to direct The Duellists instead.

Ridley Scott’s latest movie, Napoleon, was released last year, and it was announced today that the historical epic will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on March 1st. Napoleon stars Joaquin Phoenix as the French emperor and military leader and offers an “original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.” Ridley Scott directed the film from a screenplay by David Scarpa. The film also stars Vanessa Kirby as Josephine, Empress Consort and the first wife of Napoleon.

As for Gladiator 2, the early footage is said to have “blown execs away.” Now that Scott has wrapped production on the sequel, I’d imagine that we might see our first trailer this summer in preparation for the film’s November 22nd premiere.

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The strikes have subsided and Ridley Scott has been able to restart his production on Gladiator 2. The director isn’t one for sitting around while things were on hiatus, so he’s said he’s been working out certain production logistics during the time off. Scott recently caught up with Deadline to talk about his new film Napoleon, as well as reveal some new details on Gladiator 2. Scott stated that the production reconvenes in a couple of weeks and is hoping his actors have stayed at their fight weight during the downtime, “Paul Mescal is really very fit and stays that way. I haven’t seen the other ones yet, so I hope they’re not porked up.”

While speaking about the physical fitness of his actors, it was brought up that Denzel Washington is working out hard for this project. The interviewer throws back to Scott’s last collaboration with Washington on American Gangster, citing how badass he was in that and Scott replied, “That is his thing. I think it’s his manner, and obviously he’s actually in a bad mood. I think it’s just the way he is. He tends to be abrupt. You got to get used to that. But nevertheless, he’s quite charming.” While not much has been revealed about the plot of Gladiator 2, the casting of Washington lends some extra acting gravitas to the new film since Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix obviously cannot reprise their roles from the original. However, Scott has now unveiled the context of Washington’s character in the upcoming story.

Scott explains that Denzel’s character is parallel to Lucius, “There’s a parallel character, the owner of a business that supplied weapons for the Romans, who supplied the oil when they traveled, who supplied the wine they drink. They wouldn’t drink water, they drank wine. When they traveled, who would supply wagons and horses and tack? There had to be the arms dealers of the period; here is a man who already rich from supplying the weapons, the catapults. His hobby is like a racing stable except it’s gladiators. He’s got a stable of 30 or 40 gladiators. He likes to actually see them fight and it evolves that that’s where he came from. He was captured in North Africa, and evolved into a free man because he was a good gladiator. But he hides that because also he’s now realizing the potential of his actual power. He’s wealthier than most senators, so already has thoughts and designs of the possible idea of taking power from these two crazy princes.”

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It’s time to get back to work! The end of the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike is finally here, and production for some of Hollywood’s most anticipated films can resume! With writers, actors, crew members, and more returning to Tinseltown, cinephiles can expect release date shuffles, reshoots, and creative shake-ups for projects across the entertainment spectrum. For example, Riley Scott’s Gladiator 2 will return to production when set builders repair the project’s elaborate filming environments.

In Malta, sets for Gladiator 2 are in disrepair. Months of neglect have caused the open-air set to “deteriorate” since July. The damaged locations include a massive recreation of ancient Rome, including a lifesize Coliseum desperate for some TLC – tender loving care, not the classic, safe-sex positive hip-hop band. While the crew prepares to return to the area, Scott is busy editing the 90 minutes of footage he managed to capture before the strikes told Hollywood to take a time out.

The first Gladiator movie was shot in Malta over twenty years ago and reportedly left around €21 million in the Maltese economy. There was no rebate plan then, so the government didn’t need to return any money for the privilege. “This time round, we’re giving the sequel €46.7 million against a local direct expenditure of not more than €55 million, so we’d be lucky as a country if we manage to end up with €10 million in our economy,” said a top industry insider. The Malta government has claimed that the movie industry has injected €85 million into Malta over the last year but hasn’t explained how that money made it into the economy.

Ridley Scott directs the Gladiator sequel from a script by David Scarpa (All The Money In the World). The film stars Paul Mescal (Aftersun) as Lucius, the young boy who idolized Maximus (Russell Crowe) in the original movie. The cast also includes Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3), Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman), May Calamawy (Moon Knight), Lior Raz (The Crowded Room), Peter Mensah (Spartacus), Matt Lucas (Wonka), Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus), and Derek Jacobi (Murder on the Orient Express). Russell Crowe isn’t involved in the new Gladiator movie, but he did express a slight amount of jealousy about the experience Mescal has ahead of him.

Are you excited about Gladiator 2 going back in front of cameras in the foreseeable? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Now that the lengthy, multi-month strike of the SAG-AFTRA union has finally come to a dramatic close, just like Will Ferrell’s character in Eastbound and Down screamed at his Kia employee, “You get back to work!” As Tinseltown starts its engines back up on all the productions that have been delayed, the studios have prepared for the logistics of rescheduling film shoots so it isn’t a giant mess of conflicts and over-bookings. This morning saw the immediate end of the actors’ strike weeks after the writers signed a historic new deal with the AMPTP.

Many projects will not start until January due to the upcoming holidays, but according to Deadline, studios have been in pre-production for the restarts of certain titles that were paused earlier this summer when the strike had commenced. Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2 is nearly complete with principal photography as the director professed that there was just over a day left of shooting to do. That production will get right back to work this week or in the near future. Another film that had anxious fans waiting for completion is Deadpool 3. The movie from director, Shawn Levy, was 50% done when it shut down due to the strikes. Deadpool 3 is set to restart soon as well.

Tom Hardy’s third outing as the symbiote anti-hero, Venom 3, will also recommence soon. That film was just at the beginning of its production when it was shut down. Paramount’s Gladiator 2 will be resuming production soon, as well as Clint Eastwood’s newest film, Juror No. 2, which only had a dozen days left to go.

Before a settlement was reached between the two factions, Disney’s Bob Iger had been concerned that next summer’s movie season would face an unprecedented hardship if a deal failed to be agreed upon. Iger stated, “Obviously, we’d like to try to preserve a summer of films. The entire industry is focused on that. We don’t have much time to do that.” A source involved with a big-budget production told Deadline, “The desire for a juicy release date next year is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s at the corporate mandate of priority.”

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