'Gladiator' sequel in the making

Ridley Scott has started working on second installment of period film

One of Russell Crowe's most successful venture, Gladiator, is returning with a sequel after years of discussion.

The director of the Oscar-winning hit, Ridley Scott looks ready to return to the coliseum as he has begun development on a new Gladiator installment with Paramount on board to distribute, reported Deadline. The script of the apparent sequel will be penned by The Town scribe Peter Craig.

PHOTO: BBC

The original film 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.

PHOTO: BBC

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.

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