Ridley Scott and Paramount Moving Forward on ‘Gladiator’ Sequel

After years of discussing a sequel to the Oscar-winning hit, Ridley Scott looks ready to return to the coliseum as the director has begun development on a new “Gladiator” pic with Paramount on board to distribute.

“The Town” scribe Peter Craig will pen the script.

The original pic starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a General in the Roman army, who is betrayed by the Emperor and left for dead while his family is brutally murdered. He is eventually forced to become a gladiator after being captured by slave traders, who lead him back to Rome to fight as a gladiator while plotting his revenge against Emperor that betrayed him.

The film would go on to win Best Picture and Crowe would end up landing the Best Actor Oscar while also grossing $460 million at the worldwide box office.

It’s not known how the story will continue, as Maximus is killed by the end of the film.

DreamWorks handled the production on the first film but is no longer involved, while Universal, which co-produced, has the option to come on as co-financiers.

Scott most recently helmed “All the Money in the World” starring Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg. Scott is repped by WME, and Craig is repped by CAA.

Deadline Hollywood first reported the news.

Related stories:

• TNT Orders Ridley Scott-Produced Sci-Fi Drama 'Raised by Wolves'

• Ridley Scott CIA Movie 'Neither Confirm Nor Deny' Finds Writer (EXCLUSIVE)

• Guy Pearce, Claes Bang, Vicky Krieps and Roland Moller Join Imperative's 'Lyrebird'

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!