Rising star Paul Mescal takes lead in Gladiator 2: Secrets unveiled about Lucius

Work on the second installment of the hit was temporarily slowed down due to a concluded actors' strike in Hollywood. Fortunately, a significant portion of the footage had been shot before the strike, enabling Director Scott to kick-start his work in the editing studio. Included among the completed shots are scenes such as a fight with baboons, inspired by a real-life incident involving unassuming tourists close to Johannesburg, South Africa.

The lead role in the hit's continuation will be played by Paul Mescal, a talented actor of the younger generation. The Irish actor, notably recognized for his performance in "Aftersun" by Charlotte Wells for which he received an Oscar nomination, and also for the popular character Connell in "Normal People", will portray Lucius in "Gladiator 2". Aged 27, he will assume the role of Lucius, the grandson of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and nephew of the notorious Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), all familiar characters from the original film.

In a recent interview, Scott shared insights about Mescal's character Lucius, a man who had disconnected from his family, leaving his mother in the dark about his existence. The specifics of what the character has been up to since his family abandonment remain a mystery.

Speaking with Deadline, the filmmaker divulged some information about Denzel Washington's character, a newcomer to the cast. The actor, who debuted on the big screen 46 years ago, will portray a wealthy and influential gladiator in the society who engages in a power struggle within a chaotically ruled empire.

"He manages a company that supplies weapons to the Romans, provides them with oil when they travel, and also wine for drinking. Back then, they preferred wine to water. Who supplied the wagons, horses, and equipment during their travels? There must have been arms dealers and this character has amassed wealth from dealing in weapons, notably catapults", Scott explained.

"The character maintains something akin to racing stables, except he keeps gladiators instead. He enjoys watching them fight. His interest sprung from his past. He was captured in North Africa and regained his freedom due to his gladiatorial skills. However, he hides this past as he now realizes his power potential. He is wealthier than most senators and has plans to usurp the power held by two raving princes", the director further explained.

Ridley Scott, the director of "Gladiator 2", is also a producer alongside Michael Prus, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher. David Scarpa, known for his work with Scott on "Napoleon" and for tackling scene reshoots for Kevin Spacey's "All the Money in the World", is the man behind the script's most recent version.

In the original film’s finale, General Maximus (Russell Crowe) saves Lucius from death while avenging his own family's murderers. In the sequel, the character Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, will take center stage, featuring alongside the ever-exceptional Denzel Washington. The connection between their characters is yet to be revealed.