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QuoteWhile he has been eyeing other projects that include a coming of age Merlin movie at Disney, Ridley Scott has begun forward progress on a sequel to Gladiator, the 2000 film which garnered 11 Oscar nominations and five wins including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. While Crowe's Maximus character met his end in the classic original film, Gladiator 2 will follow the continuing story of Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), The youth was the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the weaselly son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius who murdered his father seized the throne and wound up in the gladiator ring with Maximus, who though mortally wounded, skewered the emperor before fading into the great beyond to reunite with his slain wife and son. Maximus saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, and left a strong impression on the young Lucius.

The original was made by DreamWorks and distributed by Universal. Sources said the charge here is being led by Scott and his Scott Free banner. Oscar nominated for the first film, Scott wants to direct the film, and they are setting Peter Craig, whose credits include The Town and two Hunger Games films, as well as 12 Strong and the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick.

Sources said Paramount will be the studio developing the project, and Universal has the option to co-finance. DreamWorks is out of it. Crowe's Maximus is a tough act to follow, but the brutal world of Roman gladiators is so compelling, who wouldn't be entertained by another plunge into that world?

Scott right now is directing his first ever TV series, Raised By Wolves, for TNT. He'll shoot in South Africa. He has several feature projects percolating, including the Scarlett Johansson-starrer drama about photojournalist Lyndsey Addario, and a potential film about the formative years of the wizard Merlin. Gladiator 2 could happen very quickly, but it will take time to come together. If I were betting, I'd lay it on the Merlin film, which is at Disney.

Quote from: WikipediaIn June 2001, Douglas Wick said a Gladiator prequel was in development.[101] The following year, Wick, Walter Parkes, David Franzoni, and John Logan switched direction to a sequel set fifteen years later;[102] the Praetorian Guards rule Rome and an older Lucius is trying to learn who his real father was. However, Russell Crowe was interested in resurrecting Maximus, and further researched Roman beliefs about the afterlife to accomplish this.[103] Ridley Scott expressed interest, although he admitted the project would have to be retitled as it had little to do with gladiators.[104] An easter egg contained on disc 2 of the extended edition / special edition DVD releases includes a discussion of possible scenarios for a follow-up. This includes a suggestion by Parkes that, in order to enable Russell Crowe to return to play Maximus, who dies at the end of the original movie, a sequel could involve a "multi-generational drama about Maximus and the Aureleans and this chapter of Rome", similar in concept to The Godfather Part II.

In 2006, Scott stated he and Crowe approached Nick Cave to rewrite the film, but their ideas conflicted with DreamWorks's idea of a spin-off involving Lucius, whom Scott revealed would turn out to be Maximus's son with Lucilla. Scott noted that a tale of corruption in Rome was too complex, whereas Gladiator worked due to its simple drive.[105] In 2009, details of Cave's ultimately-rejected script surfaced on the internet: the script having Maximus being reincarnated by the Roman gods and returned to Rome to defend Christians against persecution; then transported to other important periods in history, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and finally being a general in the modern-day Pentagon. This script for a sequel, however, was rejected as being too far-fetched, and not in keeping with the spirit and theme of the original film.[106][107]

In March 2017, Scott again stated that he has an idea of how a sequel could be done, and that he is currently trying to convince Russell Crowe to reprise his role as Maximus.[108]

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 08:54:23 PM
What's the problem with a film based on Lucius?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 01, 2018, 09:00:24 PM
The original sequel idea involving Lucius dates back to 2002. After that there were other variations including crazy shit like a reincarnated, time-traveling Maximus that would take place in WWII as well as the modern age.

Quote from: WikipediaIn June 2001, Douglas Wick said a Gladiator prequel was in development.[101] The following year, Wick, Walter Parkes, David Franzoni, and John Logan switched direction to a sequel set fifteen years later;[102] the Praetorian Guards rule Rome and an older Lucius is trying to learn who his real father was. However, Russell Crowe was interested in resurrecting Maximus, and further researched Roman beliefs about the afterlife to accomplish this.[103] Ridley Scott expressed interest, although he admitted the project would have to be retitled as it had little to do with gladiators.[104] An easter egg contained on disc 2 of the extended edition / special edition DVD releases includes a discussion of possible scenarios for a follow-up. This includes a suggestion by Parkes that, in order to enable Russell Crowe to return to play Maximus, who dies at the end of the original movie, a sequel could involve a "multi-generational drama about Maximus and the Aureleans and this chapter of Rome", similar in concept to The Godfather Part II.

In 2006, Scott stated he and Crowe approached Nick Cave to rewrite the film, but their ideas conflicted with DreamWorks's idea of a spin-off involving Lucius, whom Scott revealed would turn out to be Maximus's son with Lucilla. Scott noted that a tale of corruption in Rome was too complex, whereas Gladiator worked due to its simple drive.[105] In 2009, details of Cave's ultimately-rejected script surfaced on the internet: the script having Maximus being reincarnated by the Roman gods and returned to Rome to defend Christians against persecution; then transported to other important periods in history, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and finally being a general in the modern-day Pentagon. This script for a sequel, however, was rejected as being too far-fetched, and not in keeping with the spirit and theme of the original film.[106][107]

In March 2017, Scott again stated that he has an idea of how a sequel could be done, and that he is currently trying to convince Russell Crowe to reprise his role as Maximus.[108]

Anyway, they make it sound like Scott is currently busy directing Covenant II Raised by Wolves?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 01, 2018, 09:00:24 PM
Anyway, they make it sound like Scott is currently busy directing Covenant II Raised by Wolves?

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Nov 01, 2018, 09:17:54 PM
What the huh? :laugh:

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 01, 2018, 09:16:21 PM

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 08:54:23 PM
What's the problem with a film based on Lucius?

As a standalone movie that has nothing to do with Gladiator, nothing.
As a sequel to Gladiator, everything.

Just leave this classic alone.

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 09:25:37 PM

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 01, 2018, 09:16:21 PM

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 08:54:23 PM
What's the problem with a film based on Lucius?

As a standalone movie that has nothing to do with Gladiator, nothing.
As a sequel to Gladiator, everything.

Just leave this classic alone.

What are they doing to the original film?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 01, 2018, 09:41:02 PM
After Gladiator II, Scott needs to do a Thelma & Louise sequel.  :laugh:

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 01, 2018, 09:33:46 PM

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 09:25:37 PM

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 01, 2018, 09:16:21 PM

Quote from: SM on Nov 01, 2018, 08:54:23 PM
What's the problem with a film based on Lucius?

As a standalone movie that has nothing to do with Gladiator, nothing.
As a sequel to Gladiator, everything.

Just leave this classic alone.

What are they doing to the original film?

Nothing, but it's completely tasteless and mental. It's like a sequel to, as I mentioned before, Braveheart, Casablanca, Lawrance of Arabia, 12 Angry Men, Taxi Driver, Schindler's List , The Shawshank Redemption, Titanic and so on. Why? What's the point?

Quote from: SM on Nov 02, 2018, 12:43:46 AM
How many people, for example, love Predator or Alien, but decide they don't like those movies anymore because AvP was crap?

How many people decide they don't like Aliens anymore because they hate Alien3?

Besides, if it's never going to happen 2 pages of impotent whining was all for naught.

Quote from: SM on Nov 02, 2018, 12:43:46 AM
How many people, for example, love Predator or Alien, but decide they don't like those movies anymore because AvP was crap?

Quote from: CristianoRonaldo7 on Nov 02, 2018, 12:52:35 AM

Quote from: SM on Nov 02, 2018, 12:43:46 AM
How many people, for example, love Predator or Alien, but decide they don't like those movies anymore because AvP was crap?

How many people decide they don't like Aliens anymore because they hate Alien3?

Besides, if it's never going to happen 2 pages of impotent whining was all for naught.

Sadly, I think Ridley Scott is having problems getting the money and Producers for his new movies. Ridley is a little, little desperate right now.

Quote from: Huggs on Nov 02, 2018, 01:54:54 AM
Gladiator 2? Cool.

If Scott wasn't involved, I'd be worried. But Scott is involved, which makes all the difference.

I may have a lot of bones to pick with the prequels, but a Ridley Scott film is still a film worth seeing at least once. In general, he doesn't make cheap sh*t.

Quote from: SiL on Nov 02, 2018, 12:59:22 AM

Quote from: SM on Nov 02, 2018, 12:43:46 AM
How many people, for example, love Predator or Alien, but decide they don't like those movies anymore because AvP was crap?

The Predator was so bad it made me not only hate Predator, but made all my copies of the movie burst into flame -- which I didn't mind, because as I said, I now hate the movie, so f**k it. Let it burn.

Quote from: whiterabbit on Nov 02, 2018, 06:32:04 AM
Honestly I think they should just skip Gladiator 2 and go straight to filming Gladiator 3.

Quote from: SiL on Nov 02, 2018, 12:42:17 AM
But there is no franchise, just a single film  ???

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 02, 2018, 10:28:55 AM

Quote from: SiL on Nov 02, 2018, 12:42:17 AM
But there is no franchise, just a single film  ???

Really? Thanks for telling me that. You completely didn't understand what I said.

Quote from: Huggs on Nov 02, 2018, 01:54:54 AM
I may have a lot of bones to pick with the prequels, but a Ridley Scott film is still a film worth seeing at least once. In general, he doesn't make cheap sh*t.

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 02, 2018, 04:09:12 PM

Quote from: Huggs on Nov 02, 2018, 01:54:54 AM
I may have a lot of bones to pick with the prequels, but a Ridley Scott film is still a film worth seeing at least once. In general, he doesn't make cheap sh*t.

He sometimes makes expensive shit :)

Quote from: whiterabbit on Nov 02, 2018, 08:57:29 PM
I just realized something. The last time I watched Gladiator more than half of you probably weren't even born yet.

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 02, 2018, 03:58:03 PM
Of course I don't want it :) Do you want it?

Quote from: whiterabbit on Nov 02, 2018, 08:57:29 PM
I just realized something. The last time I watched Gladiator more than half of you probably weren't even born yet.

Quote from: SiL on Nov 02, 2018, 09:21:56 PM

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 02, 2018, 03:58:03 PM
Of course I don't want it :) Do you want it?

I don't care. I'll check it out if it looks good.

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Nov 02, 2018, 09:25:28 PM

Quote from: whiterabbit on Nov 02, 2018, 08:57:29 PM
I just realized something. The last time I watched Gladiator more than half of you probably weren't even born yet.

But but, you're a four years lifespan individual with fake memories.  :)

Quote from: Huntsman on Nov 04, 2018, 10:50:48 AM
A sequel dealing with Maximus in the afterlife would be better.

Quote from: SM on Nov 04, 2018, 10:48:29 PM
Gladiator 2 - Aqueduct Boogaloo

QuoteThe producers behind Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' follow-up, Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald have confirmed that the sequel will be set 25 years after the original.

During the press tour for 'Men in Black: International' HeyUGuys' own Stefan Pape asked the pair whether the film was still happening to which they confirmed it was.

MacDonald said "We're working with Ridley, that's one we wouldn't touch unless we felt in a way to do it was legitimate. We're working with an amazing writer as well, Peter Craig.

Parkes added "It picks up the story 30 years later... 25 years later".

QuoteWhile Kitbag will be no small undertaking, Scott already has Maximus on his mind too – finally, long-gestating plans for a sequel to his 2000 masterpiece seem to be gaining traction. "I'm already having [the next] Gladiator written now," he says. "So when I've done Napoleon, Gladiator will be ready to go." That's quite a roster, Ridders – consider us entertained.

Quote from: Stolen on Sep 29, 2021, 06:05:54 PM
Sir Ridley will make Napoleon and Gladiator consecutively at 84/85 years old? Even though it's the most useless sequel in the world, KING.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 29, 2021, 07:08:17 PM
Maybe Engineer Jesus will be in this one.

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Sep 29, 2021, 06:10:35 PM

Quote from: Stolen on Sep 29, 2021, 06:05:54 PM
Sir Ridley will make Napoleon and Gladiator consecutively at 84/85 years old? Even though it's the most useless sequel in the world, KING.

Maybe it's a little pointless as well, but I think the Covenant sequel has more merits. Anyway, I will give the legendary director a break, as it is an admirable fact that he is very active at his age.  8) :)

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Sep 29, 2021, 07:58:35 PM

Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Sep 29, 2021, 06:10:35 PM

Quote from: Stolen on Sep 29, 2021, 06:05:54 PM
Sir Ridley will make Napoleon and Gladiator consecutively at 84/85 years old? Even though it's the most useless sequel in the world, KING.

Maybe it's a little pointless as well, but I think the Covenant sequel has more merits. Anyway, I will give the legendary director a break, as it is an admirable fact that he is very active at his age.  8) :)

I know it stinks, but to be fair to Ridley, I don't think it's his decision. Meaning, in an alternate reality, if Alien: Covenant was a great financial success, we might have been watching his third prequel in theaters already this year (or next.)

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 29, 2021, 07:08:17 PM
Maybe Engineer Jesus will be in this one.

Quote from: Ingwar on Oct 04, 2021, 01:37:55 PM
Planning to begin production in late 2022/early 2023. Don't know if it's legit or not. Found on twitter.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FA1Hk5eUcAQ0Yd4?format=jpg&name=medium)

Quote from: Kradan on Oct 05, 2021, 11:16:29 PM
Covenant is gonna be that forever unresolved cliffanger, isn't it ?

Quote from: Local Trouble on Oct 06, 2021, 04:15:04 AM
I will not permit it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyhAJEPEHk4

QuoteBritish director Ridley Scott is about to land in Morocco to oversee the filming of the Gladiator sequel. The executive production team is already in negotiations with Atlas Studios.

QuoteInteresting, apparently Ridley Scott is planning to take over a Kingdom of Heaven (Jerusalem) set for filming Gladiator 2 which kicks off in 2023.

Quote from: nanison on Nov 11, 2022, 03:57:12 PMThere is a market for it I think.

Quote from: World of ReelWe weren't really sure if this one was actually happening, but then a week ago I broke the news that Ridley Scott was scouting locations for "Gladiator 2." Now we have more details ...

"Gladiator 2" will start production in May of 2023. That's a little more than 5 months from now, which is also when Scott's "Napoleon" is rumored to be released in theaters. The Gladiator sequel will be directed by Scott and shot via the lens of DP Dariusz Wolski.

The sequel will follow Lucius (son of Lucilla and the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's villainous Commodus). If you remember, Maximus saved Lucius from his uncle in the 2000 film. Connie Nielsen, who played Lucilla, is part of the sequel's cast. So is Djimon Hounsou who is set to return as the once-enslaved Juba.

In 2019, Producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald had confirmed that the sequel would be set 25 years after the original. Writer Peter Craig (The Crown, Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 1 & 2) is set to write the screenplay.

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2022/12/zyc9dpdxoz14uu5dro1p9fi6gfshwn

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 15, 2022, 04:07:08 PMIf possible that is?.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Dec 15, 2022, 04:06:01 PMI like how the thread title still has a question mark behind it. As if Ingwar is still in denial that this film is actually happening.  ;D

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Dec 17, 2022, 04:10:35 PMSeeing rumours that Chris Hemsworth might star in this.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 11, 2022, 05:17:12 PMThe market eventually did see The Last Duel on their bloody phones...

QuoteConnie Nielsen is set to reprise her role as Lucilla, with Dijmon Hounsou returning to portray the character Juba.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/gladiator-ii-to-enter-production-in-may-2023-partial-cast-revealed/ar-AA15hvcW

QuoteEXCLUSIVE: Ridley Scott always said he would return to the Colosseum to continue the story of his blockbuster epic Gladiator, and it looks like we are getting close to having that wish granted. Sources tell Deadline that Normal People star Paul Mescal is in negotiations to lead the Paramount sequel to the Oscar-winning pic, with Scott returning to the directing chair. Scott also will produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss as well as Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. David Scarpa penned the script.

Also returning from the original film are Janty Yates (Costume Designer) and Arthur Max (Production Designer). The first film was co-production between Universal and DreamWorks and while DreamWorks will no longer be involved, Universal has the right to partner again when the project is packaged.

The new film follows the critically-acclaimed 2002 blockbuster Gladiator, which earned over $460M in worldwide box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning five including Best Picture.

The role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, was a career-changer for Russell Crowe when he played the part in the summer of 2000. It not only delivered him a Best Actor Oscar but launched to the top of every leading-man list in town, and once it was made clear last year that the sequel would be Scott's next movie, every male actor in town that fit the profile began chasing the coveted part.

Meetings with Scott for the role began to heat up once a final draft was delivered in November, with Mescal being one of the first to sit down with the director. Although Scott continued to meet with other talent, insiders say it seemed clear to all involved that Mescal clearly was Scott's top choice following a fantastic meeting between the two. By landing the role, Mescal not only gets to show off the strong range that earned him an Emmy nomination for his work on Normal People but also the physique the industry already had taken notice of that is needed to play the role. Crowe famously put on some serious muscle for the part, and Mescal will look to do the same.

Mescal won't be replacing Crowe's Maximus, whose character met his end in the original film, but instead he will be playing Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who now is a grown man as the story takes place years after the first film ended. Lucius was also the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius who murdered his father seized the throne and wound up in the gladiator ring with Maximus — who, though mortally wounded, skewered the emperor before fading into the great beyond to reunite with his slain wife and son. Maximus saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, and left a strong impression on the young Lucius.

While Scott has hinted at wanting to continue the story going all the way back to when the original was still in theaters, the project gained steam in 2018 when Deadline first broke that Paramount came on to develop. As Scott was finishing up directing another period epic Napoleon (which coincidentally reunited him with Crowe's Gladiator co-star Phoenix, who is playing French Commander Napoleon Bonaparte in that pic) he began to give indications his desire to make Gladiator 2 his next film, and by the end fo the summer he indicated to Paramount that it likely would be his next film.

Even after being in development for as long as it has, Paramount's top brass did everything in their power to make sure this wasn't just another project that stayed in development purgatory. While Mescal's deal is still not closed, the studio now has its star, and all the hard work signals a return to the arena in a big way for all parties.

Best known his breakout role in the Hulu limited series Normal People, which earned him an Emmy nomination, Mescal hasn't rushed to find that big studio job but rather his took his time and was particular in the material he went after. That decision has led to a big year for the rising star that included a number of films bowing at the Cannes Film Festival including God's Creatures. He has also been receiving strong reviews for Aftersun, which is currently a contender this award season.

Next up for him is the Garth Davis pic Foe, which also stars Saorise Ronan. He is repped by CAA and the Curtis Brown Group.

Quote from: ace3g on Jan 06, 2023, 07:55:56 PMSpencer Treat Clark is like WTF ...

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 07, 2023, 09:00:34 AMI think Ingwar needs to add more question marks behind the thread title.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 06, 2023, 07:53:30 PMhttps://twitter.com/DEADLINE/status/1611445233988034561

QuotePaul Mescal's Irish eyes are smiling, and doing a jig as well. Not only did he receive a first Oscar nomination Tuesday for his leading role in Aftersun, but Deadline can reveal that the acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, in which Mescal delivers an electrifying Stanley Kowalski, will transfer from a celebrated fringe theater in north London onto a West End stage.

Thanks in part for the move is due to Ridley Scott and Paramount agreeing to shift the start date of the filmmaker's Gladiator 2, the sequel to 2000's epic starring Russell Crowe, which will now begin shooting roughly two weeks later than originally scheduled. A studio source has said no moves have been made yet.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 03, 2023, 06:13:27 PMAnd then we have Napoleon that has long since been finished but no release date yet...

Quote from: kwisatz on Feb 03, 2023, 06:25:21 PMRidley's even ahead of himself these days

QuoteContrary to rumors of gladiatorial sparring among Hollywood's leading men, Mescal says he did not have to audition for the lead role of adult Lucius, depicted in the original as the young nephew of Commodus, the Roman Emperor played by Joaquin Phoenix. He simply took a meeting with the 85-year-old directing legend in which Scott "discussed the parameters of the story. Then, after the fact, I was given a script," Mescal says. "And I'm so proud I get to make it. It's an intimidating feat. It's something I'm nervous about but something I feel like I can do."

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 16, 2023, 04:18:01 PMhttps://twitter.com/FilmUpdates/status/1636189685604306946

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 16, 2023, 04:27:51 PMI would like this film to be called: Gladiator: Romulus

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 16, 2023, 05:47:41 PMPrometheus

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 16, 2023, 05:51:47 PMYou forgot to add the last one, Gladiator: Romulus

Quote from: ace3g on Mar 17, 2023, 04:04:57 PMhttps://twitter.com/krolljvar/status/1636760404897722368

QuoteOnce Mescal was locked for the project, Scott and Paramount Pictures President & CEO Brian Robbins and Co-Presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland pushed hard for a star for the other major role in the film and took a shot with Washington, the two-time Oscar winner. When the offer was first presented there it was unknown whether he would actually do it; Washington is known for his great taste in projects and doesn't sign up for anything. But after reading the script, sources close to the project said he was excited about the bad-ass role Scott had written with him in mind.

QuoteThousands of extras needed for Gladiator Malta sequel

Denzel Washington expected to star in 'once-in-a-generation production'

Thousands of extras will be recruited for the sequel to the blockbuster Gladiator, with shooting in Malta expected to start in the beginning of summer.

After months of rumours about whether Malta will once again play host to Ridley Scott's gladiatorial epic, industry insiders confirmed the production for the film will start around June and the shoot will run for about four months.

"It's a once-in-a-generation production. This is going to be big," one source said.

The new film comes 23 years after the release of Gladiator that starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a former general forced into becoming a gladiator under the rule of the self-appointed Roman emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

The film won the Oscar for best picture, and Crowe took home the prize for best actor.

More than two decades later, "thousands" of extras will be engaged for the filming of the sequel, especially to shoot the gladiator scenes.

The production will be largely shot at Fort Ricasoli, the large fortification in Kalkara, which also served as the main setting for the original film.

Production will be a 'much bigger' one than the original 2000 film
Preparations at Fort Ricasoli are already taking place, with large scaffolding being mounted. Sources said the production will be a "much bigger" one than the original 2000 film, and the tank facilities are also expected to be used for one of the battle scenes.

Over the past few weeks, several billboards promoting jobs within the film industry were erected along the streets.

Meanwhile, Variety magazine revealed last Thursday that A-lister Denzel Washington is in final talks to join the team of the Gladiator sequel.

Washington and Scott previously worked together in the 2007 biographical crime film American Gangster.

The film is expected to have Oscar nominees Paul Mescal  and Barry Keoghan among the lead roles. Mescal is expected to play Lucius, the son of Maximus lover Lucilla, as a grown man.

David Scarpa is penning the script for the sequel.

Paramount has set a November 2024 release for the epic.

Scott was again in Malta last year, shooting part of his upcoming historical epic Napoleon. Last October, Scott's executive producer Aidan Elliot had said it was a "no-brainer" for them to choose Malta for previous films thanks to the lucrative cash-back scheme.

Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 21, 2023, 02:29:01 PM

Quote"It's a once-in-a-generation production. This is going to be big," one source said.
Production will be a 'much bigger' one than the original 2000 film
Sources said the production will be a "much bigger" one than the original 2000 film

Quoteand the tank facilities are also expected to be used for one of the battle scenes.

Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 21, 2023, 07:26:23 PMGladiator on steroids

QuoteWooden structure that you see is one of the filming sets of 'Gladiator 2' that are being built in Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco.

QuoteRussell Crowe has given Irish actor Paul Mescal his blessing ahead of the long-awaited Gladiator sequel.

Crowe won his first of two Academy Awards for his performance as Maximus in Ridley Scott's 2000 film.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed Normal People's Mescal will play the role of Lucius, the son of Connie Nielson's Lucilla and nephew to Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus.

Despite not being involved in the the new film, New Zealand native Crowe had nothing but good things to say about the Kildare man.

'I'm sure at one point in time they'll want to ask me about something but they haven't brought anything up in a while. It's an extension of the narrative but long beyond Maximus' passing. It doesn't really involve me at all.

'I hear that young fella Paul is a good dude, I wish him the best of luck with it. I think where they're picking the story up is with young Lucus stepping into the role of Emperor. I think that's a very smart idea within the world of the film we created,' he told Ryan Tubridy on RTE Radio One.

He added: 'No doubt I'll end up having hundreds of friends working on it. I already know designers and leather workers, one of your [Tubridy's] tennis companions is already making the armour and thing like that.'

Admitting that he has 'jealously' over not being involved in the film, Crowe's relationship with Gladiator has improved over the years.

'I don't want to dwell on it too much because it does take me back to a period of time where I was significantly younger. The rose coloured glasses of that experience now are perfectly crystallised. I look back on it and I loved every minute of it.

'That wasn't the case at the time. I do like being on a period movie set -- I don't know why. Stepping into those kind of costumes and situations has a creative appeal to me. There's a slight edge of jealously people get to have that experience I had once,' he joked.

Mescal is already training for the film as he continues to build up steam following his first Oscar nomination for Aftersun.

Every time someone asks me if I've started working out, I'm like, "What do you mean? You can't tell?" . I'm working hard. Hopefully, when you see me in three or four weeks you'll be able to see it... I like exercise. It's not something I dread.

'I imagine it will be like the classic thing of eating lots of chicken and broccoli. I'm looking forward to it because anything that is kind of structured and difficult, it's kinda fun,' he recently told Variety.

https://extra.ie/2023/03/28/entertainment/russell-crowe-paul-mescal

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 28, 2023, 11:22:04 AMI hear that young fella Paul is a good dude, I wish him the best of luck with it. I think where they're picking the story up is with young Lucus stepping into the role of Emperor.

Quote from: Daily MailConstruction begins on arena for Gladiator 2 in Morocco as extras reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about Russell Crowe from the original film.

A giant arena has begun to be built, which will feature in Ridley Scott's highly anticipated Gladiator 2.

A round wooden structure was visible being built into the dunes, resembling the amphitheater from the first film.

Paul Mescal was reported to be joining the sequel in January, with Denzel Washington and Barry Keoghan also signing on in unspecified roles.

Paramount has already issued a November 22, 2024 release date for the sequel, though it's unclear when filming may begin

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11960769/Construction-begins-set-Gladiator-2-Morocco-extras-reveal-secrets-original-film.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_mailonline

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 13, 2023, 08:48:12 PMLooks alike to the arena from first movie.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 14, 2023, 10:04:09 AMwould be nice to see some new and exotic locations like Gaul or Britannia. ;D

Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 29, 2023, 05:59:51 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 28, 2023, 11:22:04 AMI hear that young fella Paul is a good dude, I wish him the best of luck with it. I think where they're picking the story up is with young Lucus stepping into the role of Emperor.

Hmm what about Barry Keoghan as Emperor Geta?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 23, 2023, 04:20:23 PMProduction designer, Arthur Max spotted in Malta:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuX2aw1akAUtYJp?format=jpg&name=900x900

QuoteMeanwhile, Washington has another highly anticipated project in the works -- the actor will star in Ridley Scott's sequel to his Oscar Best Picture winner, Gladiator, for Paramount.

Washington's role is being kept under wraps.

When asked about the film, Washington shares that he's "on my way to Gladiator land."

"I'm in that gym lifting weights every day, training, getting ready," he adds.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.etonline.com/denzel-washington-says-equalizer-3-will-be-his-last-one-confirms-gladiator-sequel-exclusive-203333%3famp

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 14, 2023, 02:52:39 PMI've already read the book forty years ago:  ;D

https://comicsagogo.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/asterix-and-the-british.jpg

Quote from: Wweyland on Apr 26, 2023, 11:12:43 AM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 14, 2023, 02:52:39 PMI've already read the book forty years ago:  ;D

https://comicsagogo.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/asterix-and-the-british.jpg

I love Asterix since my childhood! Even got my kids the Playmobile versions.

Quote from: DeadlineParamount's 'Gladiator' Sequel's Cast Grows As Connie Nielsen Closes Deal To Return As Lucilla While 'Stranger Things' Breakout Joseph Quinn Lands Emperor Caracalla Role.

EXCLUSIVE: The highly-anticipated Gladiator sequel continues to add to its already impressive cast as sources tell Deadline Connie Nielsen has closed her deal to return, while Joseph Quinn is in negotiations to play Emperor Caracalla in the untitled pic for Paramount. They join Paul Mescal, who will star as Lucius, Barry Keoghan and Denzel Washington. Ridley Scott is returning to direct.

The new film follows the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator, which earned more than $460 million in worldwide box office and was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five including Best Picture.

The role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, was a career-changer for Russell Crowe, not only delivering him the Best Actor Oscar but also launching him to the top of every leading-man list. Once it was made clear last year that the sequel would be Scott's next movie, every male actor in town that fit the profile began chasing the part.

Scott also will produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss as well as Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. David Scarpa penned the script. Also returning from the original film are John Mathieson (Director of Photography), Arthur Max (Production Designer), and Janty Yates (Costume Designer). Paramount Pictures has dated the film for Nov. 22, 2024.

The first film was co-production between Universal and DreamWorks, and while DreamWorks will not be involved in the sequel, Universal has the right to partner again when the project is packaged.

Since so many characters were killed off in the first film and it's been so long since that pic premiered, there weren't a ton of familiar faces to choose from when it came to legacy cast members returning for this sequel. This is why it was so important to Scott and the studio that Nielsen's character return for this sequel and made sure she was a part of its plans from the start of development. Not only is Nielsen the main love interest to Maximus in the first film she is also the mother to Lucius, who is now the main character in this film, and that mother-son relationship is expected to play a big part of the film's story arc.

As for Quinn, his star has been on the rise following his scene stealing role as Eddie Munson in the most season of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. Paramount was quick to see his talent and offered him a starring role in A Quiet Place spin-off A Quiet Place: Day One, which just drew a ton of buzz at this week's CinemaCon. Insiders close to that production say early footage from the film blew away execs with how he held his own alongside Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, who stars in the pic.

Besides Stranger Things, Quinn was also recently seen in BBC One's Howards End limited series as well as BBC One's Les Miserables. Nielsen will next be seen in Ava Duvernay's Caste limited series

He is repped by CAA, the Curtis Brown Group and Goodman, Genow Schenkman Smelkinson & Christopher. Nielsen is repped by Lasher Group, UTA, The Artists Partnership and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler, Feldman & Clark.

QuoteAlso returning from the original film are John Mathieson (Director of Photography)

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 28, 2023, 06:24:35 PMIs Ridley going back to shooting on film or is Mathieson doing digital now?

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 08:16:44 AM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 28, 2023, 06:24:35 PMIs Ridley going back to shooting on film or is Mathieson doing digital now?

Digital for sure. I cannot imagine Scott going back to film. Also, Mathieson has shot in digital before.

I wonder why Wolski is out.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 08:50:49 AMSame goes for production design. Since Blade Runner most top production designers have shied away from working for Scott because they know they'd merely be following orders rather than giving them.

Quote from: SiL on Apr 29, 2023, 10:38:39 AM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 08:50:49 AMSame goes for production design. Since Blade Runner most top production designers have shied away from working for Scott because they know they'd merely be following orders rather than giving them.

Production designers don't give orders to directors. They might feel they have less creative input but that's a far cry from giving orders.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 08:50:49 AMAlso noticed Wolkski has been working on other films of late where previously he seemed to work exclusively for Scott since Prometheus. Got an Oscar nomination recently for News of the World which I don't think he would have got while still working for Scott.

With Scott being such a very strong visual director and being behind the camera all the time, I think it can sometimes be hard to tell how much of the cinematography is Scott's work and how much is his DoP's work.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 02:40:10 PMTrue ... but The Last Duel looks amazing and better than News of the World and didn't even get nomination. I truly don't understands Oscars.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 02:48:18 PMBut like I said, I suspect the Academy might not exactly be sure of how much of it might be Scott's cinematography or influence and how much of it his own.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 02:57:50 PMYeah, then why Kaminski won two Oscars (plus four other nominations working with Spielberg) for Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan? :)  Was it him or was he influenced by Spielberg who is very visual director as well? At the end it's team work and collaboration between two. Seems like the Academy is very biased and knows shit.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 03:51:40 PM"Take no prisoners, apologize for nothing, be assertive" - Emperor Ridley Scott.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 04:01:16 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 03:51:40 PM"Take no prisoners, apologize for nothing, be assertive" - Emperor Ridley Scott.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 04:58:31 PMCaracalla & Geta: Bearfight in the Colosseum, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1907

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Caracalla_et_Geta.jpg/1280px-Caracalla_et_Geta.jpg

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 01, 2018, 07:58:58 PMIf this [news about Gladiator 2] is true (it cannot be) then I'm not gonna watch any Scott movie till end of my life.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 05:21:01 PMYeah, it's bloody interesting story. Gonna read more about it. I'm digging it.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 29, 2023, 02:05:07 PMTraditionally, the director tells his production designer he wants a certain setting and then the production designer figures out how it will look and gives his art department (concept artists, draftsmen, set designers, construction workers, carpenters, painters etc.) the orders to make it so.

With Ridley the production designer's role is almost defunct because the production designer is merely carrying out Scott's very specific orders, turning his detailed sketches and reference photos into actual props and sets. He is no longer actually designing anything anymore, merely following Scott's orders.

Quote from: SiL on Apr 29, 2023, 11:03:35 PMI'd love to see whatever quotes you've got of people avoiding him because I genuinely can't find any! By the sounds of it landing a production designer gig on a Scott project sounds like a career highlight.

Quote from: Future NoirBlade Runner offered Scott an even larger canvas to draw upon- yet Michael Deeley knew his director was up to the challenge. "In a sense, no major art director would ever work with Ridley, because Ridley wouldn't let him do what he wanted," Deeley points out. "But he would be right in doing that. - Future Noir by Paul M. Sammon

Quote from: Future Noir"According to Michael Deeley, however, "It was really Ridley who was the overall Production Designer/Art Director on Blade Runner. It wouldn't be fair to say otherwise." - Page 81, Future Noir by Paul M. Sammon

Quote from: Local Trouble on Apr 29, 2023, 11:05:52 PMDoes that mean Vermillion can get full credit whenever we see half helmets in his movies?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Apr 30, 2023, 09:40:02 AM

Quote from: Future NoirBlade Runner offered Scott an even larger canvas to draw upon- yet Michael Deeley knew his director was up to the challenge. "In a sense, no major art director would ever work with Ridley, because Ridley wouldn't let him do what he wanted," Deeley points out. "But he would be right in doing that. - Future Noir by Paul M. Sammon

Quote from: Future Noir"According to Michael Deeley, however, "It was really Ridley who was the overall Production Designer/Art Director on Blade Runner. It wouldn't be fair to say otherwise." - Page 81, Future Noir by Paul M. Sammon

Quote from: SiL on Apr 30, 2023, 10:33:54 AMThank you! But neither of those quotes are production designers saying they wouldn't want to work with Ridley Scott. It's one person's take - but the other production designers I've read from have loved the collaboration. I wouldn't have considered any them middle or bottom tier either.

Has any major production designer gone on record balking at the prospect of working with him that you know of?

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 29, 2023, 05:21:01 PMI wonder who's gonna portray their father, Emperor Septimius Severus and mother, Empress Julia Domna.

Quote from: Wweyland on May 02, 2023, 09:23:34 AMThat horse "accident"....it will be fine.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 02, 2023, 09:57:00 AMOr perhaps Caracalla (next in line) connived to sell Lucius into slavery in North Africa removing Lucius from the ascension line and subsequently causing the rift between Caracalla and Geta.

QuoteLucius Septimus Severus was the 13th emperor of the Roman Empire (from 193 to 211 AD), and quite uniquely, was its first ruler who hailed from Africa.

Quote from: kwisatz on May 02, 2023, 11:04:26 AM

Quote from: Wweyland on May 02, 2023, 09:23:34 AMThat horse "accident"....it will be fine.

Hanging from a tree for couple of hours feet completely black may require some more explaining though  :P 

Quote from: Ingwar on May 02, 2023, 12:13:15 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 02, 2023, 09:57:00 AMOr perhaps Caracalla (next in line) connived to sell Lucius into slavery in North Africa removing Lucius from the ascension line and subsequently causing the rift between Caracalla and Geta.

You might be right. Lucius, like Maxiumus and every decent protagonist, will have to go through his rite of passage. I hope it's going to be political movie with hack and slash in gladiatorial arena. Keep in balanced. I also hope it's going to start with a battle ;D

Seems like Denzel might be Septimus:

QuoteLucius Septimus Severus was the 13th emperor of the Roman Empire (from 193 to 211 AD), and quite uniquely, was its first ruler who hailed from Africa.

https://historycooperative.org/septimus-severus-roman-emperor/

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/2b/e3/c3/2be3c35a21765f4a87eb0804de0a432b--black-celebrities-celebs.jpghttps://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/1500x1500/13002.jpeg.webp?v=1615207505
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/siteassets/home/visit/places-to-visit/corbridge-roman-town/history-and-stories/septimius-severus/tondo_crop.jpg?w=1440&mode=none&scale=downscale&quality=60&anchor=&WebsiteVersion=20220831140117The Severan Tondo (about AD 200) depicting the imperial family. Clockwise from top left: Julia Domna, Septimius Severus, Caracalla and Geta (whose face has been erased)

https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/11757.jpg?v=1615207502

Quote from: Wweyland on May 02, 2023, 01:23:22 PM

Quote from: kwisatz on May 02, 2023, 11:04:26 AM

Quote from: Wweyland on May 02, 2023, 09:23:34 AMThat horse "accident"....it will be fine.

Hanging from a tree for couple of hours feet completely black may require some more explaining though  :P 

Its fine, just a flesh wound

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 02, 2023, 01:40:31 PMInterresting puzzling this all out.

Quote from: Ingwar on May 02, 2023, 01:46:56 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 02, 2023, 01:40:31 PMInterresting puzzling this all out.

Yeah, obviously we're gonna find out who is who but it's fun to have a guess. I presume that Petro will be one the gladiators and buddy of Lucius. A shot in the dark.

Quote from: Times of MaltaFilming for the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Gladiator will take place this summer, Film Commissioner Johann Grech said on Wednesday.

Industry insiders had confirmed in March that production for the film will start around June and shooting will run for about four months.

Grech said on Wednesday the commission is working with Paramount Pictures Studio and executive producers to ensure the shooting plan works.

"Shooting is to start in the coming months and we are hoping to have more people join the industry at large."

The production will be largely shot at Fort Ricasoli, which also served as the main setting for the original film.

Preparations at Fort Ricasoli are under way, with large scaffolding being mounted. Sources had previously said the sequel production will be on a "much bigger scale" than that for the original film.

The sequel comes 23 years after the release of Gladiator that had starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a former general forced into becoming a gladiator under the rule of self-appointed Roman emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

More than two decades later, "thousands" of extras are set to be engaged for the filming of the sequel. Yet, asked when and how eager recruits can apply, Grech said hundreds are already working in the sector.

"It's not just extras that are needed but also crew and all those businesses that support the film industry," he said.

Grech said that apart from Gladiator, a number of other productions will take place this year with filming taking part at the Mediterranean Film Studios and other locations, including Gozo.

The Gladiator sequel is expected to have Oscar nominees Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan among the lead roles. Mescal is expected to play Lucius, the son of Maximus lover Lucilla, as a grown man.

A-lister Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal are also expected to form part of the star-studded cast.

Paramount has set a November 2024 release for the epic.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/watch-gladiator-sequel-summer-filming-confirmed.1029200

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 03, 2023, 01:46:02 PMSome more theories and speculation (https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/gladiator-2-pedro-pascal-theory)

Though I'm not so keen on those, I think the ones we came up with on here might be closer to the mark.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 03, 2023, 08:15:57 PMGrech said on Wednesday the commission is working with Paramount Pictures Studio and executive producers to ensure the shooting plan works.

Quote from: Ingwar on May 03, 2023, 11:08:41 PMParamount Studio? First one was made by DreamWorks Pictures/Universal Pictures.

Also, I didn't know there was re-release in 2022 that made $37,781,511 (more than The Last Duel ;D). According to Box Office Mojo worldwide box office is now $503,162,313. I don't know how legit is this because The Numbers doesn't include it.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0172495/
https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Gladiator-(2000)#tab=summary

Quote from: DeadlineParamount Pictures has dated the film for Nov. 22, 2024.

The first film was co-production between Universal and DreamWorks, and while DreamWorks will not be involved in the sequel, Universal has the right to partner again when the project is packaged.

QuoteAlso, I didn't know there was re-release in 2022 that made $37,781,511 (more than The Last Duel ;D). According to Box Office Mojo worldwide box office is now $503,162,313. I don't know how legit is this because The Numbers doesn't include it.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 03, 2023, 08:15:57 PMthe film will start around June and shooting will run for about four months.

QuoteOver 900 apply as Gladiator film extras: 'Costumes will be a feast for the eyes'

Filming set to take place between June 15 and September 5

Quoteamorfati_84 Gladiator 2 Film Set, Ouarzazate, Morocco

Quote from: VarietyLocated in the Mediterranean Sea, 50 miles south of Sicily and 176 miles east of Tunisia, the island Republic of Malta has a long history as a filming location stretching back to the 1925 silent "Sons of the Sea." Its picturesque ports and historic sites have made notable appearances in swashbucklers (1995's "Cutthroat Island," 2002's "The Count of Monte Cristo"), sword and sandal epics (2000's "Gladiator," 2004's "Troy") and more recent titles like Apple TV+'s "Foundation" and last year's "Jurassic World: Dominion," shot in 2021, in which dinosaurs chase Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard through the streets of St. George's Square in its capital city of Valletta.

In 2022, the country hosted 24 projects — including Ridley Scott's historical epic "Napoleon," starring Joaquin Phoenix — employing more than 900 Maltese and 1,000 foreigners, generating $94 million in economic activity, giving the production community its best year in a decade. It's on track to do even better in 2023, with Scott returning yet again this summer to shoot "Gladiator 2," starring Denzel Washington, which is expected to employ hundreds of local below-the-line workers.

As the number of visiting productions has increased, so has Malta's crew base, growing from 400 registered local production workers in 2018 to more than 1,500 today.

"[Production work] went from seasonal to back-to-back," says Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech. "Unemployment is very low" — 2.92% as of December 2022 — "so what we're doing is generating interest from people who have been working in more traditional, conservative jobs to come to the film industry and be part of the success story."

To that end, the film commission held workshops for 2,500 locals in March providing instruction in various production trades, from carpentry and welding to hair styling and makeup. It's also promoting itself to the world at large with its inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival, set for June. In addition to a screening program highlighting films from Malta and other MED9 nations (Spain, Cyprus, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia), it will feature a lineup of conferences, keynotes, workshops and visits to film sets.

Historically, Malta has been most-prized as a strategic base of naval operations. Over the centuries, the 122-square-mile archipelago passed through the hands of a succession of conquerors, including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, French and British. Most notable are the Knights of St. John, who during their 268-year reign (1530-1798) founded Valletta and used limestone quarried from the islands to build fortifications (including Fort Risacoli, which with the help of CGI, was transformed into ancient Rome for "Gladiator"), Baroque palaces, hospitals, churches and cathedrals that are a popular filming sites for visiting productions.

The upcoming Hallmark movie "The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango," starring Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp, shot entirely on practical locations in Malta, using historical sites such as the Mediterranean Conference Centre (built as a hospital in 1574) and Fort Manoel (est. 1734) to stage dance sequences.

"Dancing Detective" executive producer Leif Bristow has shot a total of six films in Malta, starting with the 2014 biblical drama "Saul: The Journey to Damascus."

"What was really fascinating about Malta, aside from the fact that most people don't know where it is, is the beautiful light in the middle of the Mediterranean," says Bristow. "There's nothing more stunning than the light coming off of limestone when you're doing a biblical picture."

While Malta's beauty, both natural and man-made, and its ability to stand in for a variety of Mediterranean, North African and the Middle Eastern locations throughout the ages, has been the chief draw for productions over the years, its current wave of success is best exemplified by an upcoming a crime drama set in present-day Boston, "The Silent Hour," starring Mark Strong and Joel Kinnaman. It filmed at eight different locations in Malta, including Valletta's port, and on interior sets constructed at WH21, a warehouse in the nearby town of Paola that has been converted into a convention and production space. It's safe to say that there are many better stand-ins for Beantown, more conveniently located for its creative team. So what really makes Malta stand out in today's ultra-competitive production landscape is its incentive program, which is one of the most generous in the world.

Malta introduced a 15%-20% cash rebate in 2005, the year Steven Spielberg came to the island to shoot "Munich," in which it doubled for Israel, Cyprus, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Palestine and Spain. Two years later, it raised the maximum rebate to 22% for most productions.

"When I became commissioner [in December 2017], Malta was in 13th place in terms of its cash rebate," recalls Grech. "I said, we cannot strengthen our position at that level. So I campaigned with my government and we increased [it]" to 20%-25%, with a 2% bonus for productions featuring Malta and its culture.

In January 2019, Malta increased its rebate to a base of 30% for all eligible expenditures, with two potential 5% bumps, one for features set in Malta or local use of facilities and another for maximization of local resources, bringing the maximum payout to 40%.

"You have to meet a certain local employment threshold to get the full 40%," says producer Winston Azzopardi, head of Malta film and TV service provider Latina Pictures, whose credits include "Napoleon" and Universal's upcoming Dracula movie "Last Voyage of the Demeter."

To qualify for the incentive, projects must have an overall budget of more than €200,000 ($220,000), with €100,000 ($110,000) of it spent in Malta. The incentive has no annual or per-project caps, nor is there a cap on below-the-line spend. Unlike many territories, it now also offers a rebate on above-the-line expenditures, which is capped at €1 million ($1.1 million) for smaller projects or 30% of eligible spend on larger projects up to €5 million ($5.5 million).

But "it doesn't really just come down to the rebates," insists Alon Michael Hattingh, who worked as a line producer on "The Silent Hour" with Joshua Cassar Gaspar, his partner in the Malta-based production company Valletta Pictures. "Our crew are world-class and our rates are competitive with the rest
of Europe."

It also doesn't hurt that, unlike in most other nearby competing territories, virtually everyone speaks English, which is the official language along with Maltese.

Another draw is Malta Film Studios, which has three water tanks — a six-foot deep "horizon" tank built for 1965's "The Bedford Incident," a 36-foot-deep concave-shaped tank constructed for 1979's "Raise the Titanic" and a small 12-foot-deep "insert" tank added in the mid '90s for a Levi's commercial. In September 2022, plans were announced to build the country's first major soundstage on a 4,000-meter site adjacent to the deep-water tank. It will include its own 2,000-square-meter tank overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

No matter how big Malta's production infrastructure gets, it will remain a tiny country, less than a fourth the size of Los Angeles. And that's a good thing.

"You can get from one end to the other relatively easily," says veteran location manager Joseph Formosa Randon, who's currently working on "Gladiator 2." "There's no changing of hotels, no hour and a half transit to get anywhere. It makes it more feasible."

https://variety.com/2023/film/festivals/malta-filming-napoleon-dancing-detective-1235612708/

QuoteAlso in talks to join the remaining cast is Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus), who is in negotiations to play Emperor Geta. Barry Keoghan was in negotiations to play the Geta character, but scheduling conflicts forced him to fall out of the project.

QuoteIt's all action at #Gladiator2 set in Morocco

Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 01, 2023, 08:31:23 PMBattle scene? Yes please.

Quote from: KFTVRidley Scott's Gladiator 2 enters production
Ridley Scott produces alongside Michael Pruss, the president of Scott Free Productions for Paramount Pictures

Filming locations are set to take place in Malta, Morocco and the UK, and will run for four months.

https://www.kftv.com/amp/news/2023/06/08/ridley-scotts-gladiator-2-enters-production

Quote from: VarietyGladiator 2' Stunt Accident Leaves Several Crew Members Injured (EXCLUSIVE)

Several crew members were injured on the Morocco set of the sequel to "Gladiator" on June 7 while filming a stunt sequence for the action film.

"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 spokesperson for Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the film, said in a statement. "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."

A total of six people received treatment, four of whom remain in the hospital. All of the impacted crew members were treated for burn injuries, according to an individual with knowledge of the production. Two other crew members were treated locally and then discharged. The accident occurred towards the end of the shooting day. No cast members were harmed.

The sequel to the 2000 epic stars Oscar-nominee Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen. Ridley Scott, who directed the first film, is returning behind the camera, with David Scarpa writing the script.

"Gladiator" was one of the highest-grossing movies the year it debuted, going on to win the Oscar for best picture, as well as a best actor prize for Russell Crowe. The sequel is slated to hit theaters on November 22, 2024.

The spokesperson for Paramount added:  "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."

https://variety.com/2023/film/news/gladiator-2-stunt-accident-crew-members-injured-1235639302/amp/

QuoteHillingdon fire: Hollywood film workshop damaged by blaze 'didn't have planning permission'

A blockbuster film workshop damaged by a blaze in West London was built without planning permission, the local council has confirmed. The workshop at Pield Heath Road in Uxbridge caught fire on the evening of March 10 along with two shipping containers.

Documents show that planning permission to build five temporary workshops on the site of an old garden centre was refused by Hillingdon in June 2021. The company wanting to build the workshops, Locate Studios, also applied for permission to use the space for commercial filming at the same time.

According to Hillingdon Council, the workshop that caught fire was one of several on the site that did not have planning permission at the time of the fire. A council spokesperson said: "Some of the buildings damaged by last Thursday night's fire did not have planning consent. At the time of the fire, the council had an active planning enforcement investigation on the site and the council will now need to carefully consider next steps in light of the incident."

According to the documents, the workshops would be used to create props and sets for a film being produced at nearby Pinewood Studios. Planning permission for the workshops was refused after the council was concerned they would harm the environment in the surrounding Green Belt and disturb residents by being too noisy.

Speaking to MyLondon, a source confirmed that the workshops were built to support the new Ridley Scott epic 'Napoleon', a Napoleon Bonaparte biopic, starring Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix and produced by Apple TV.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "All I can say is that it's all been destroyed, the workshop. They're working there for a film called Napoleon, they've got various other workshops as well as this location. As for how the fire started they don't know at the moment."

Quote from: caffeine4671 on Jun 10, 2023, 03:57:09 AMYeah, this stuff is pretty normal. Just publicity.

QuoteStars Paul Mescal and Denzel are said to have 'watched on in horror' as the set went up in flames.

An investigation is now claimed to be underway with a ruptured gas pipe the suspected cause of the horror incident.

A source told The Sun: 'It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path.

In years of filming I've never seen an accident so scary. Six production staff had to be rushed to hospital for treatment. Hopefully everyone will be OK, but it was a serious accident.
'Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this.

https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/09/gladiator-2-crew-rushed-to-hospital-after-fireball-explodes-18927785

QuoteUK outlet The Sun first reported the news as an explosion, but we hear it was a planned stunt. The Sun reports included "onlookers speculating that a gas pipe on the set may have ruptured." It also noted that the production is in Ouarzazate, where temperatures can routinely hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jun 10, 2023, 12:53:02 PMSome more details emerging:

QuoteStars Paul Mescal and Denzel are said to have 'watched on in horror' as the set went up in flames.

An investigation is now claimed to be underway with a ruptured gas pipe the suspected cause of the horror incident.

A source told The Sun: 'It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path.

In years of filming I've never seen an accident so scary. Six production staff had to be rushed to hospital for treatment. Hopefully everyone will be OK, but it was a serious accident.
'Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this.

https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/09/gladiator-2-crew-rushed-to-hospital-after-fireball-explodes-18927785

Quote from: SiL on Jun 10, 2023, 10:40:56 PMThat's also not normal.

Quote from: SiL on Jun 10, 2023, 11:11:04 PMA major incident of any origin hospitalising multiple crew is neither normal nor something to be dismissed as just publicity when published.

QuoteMehdi Bensaid with Ridley Scott after the Gladiator 2 accident in Ouarzazate

QuotePedro Pascal discusses his recent roles in 'The Last of Us' and 'The Mandalorian', teases his character in the upcoming sequel to 'Gladiator' and talks about his habit of spoiling his work to Uber drivers.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jun 21, 2023, 03:04:18 PMNew Variety interview with Pedro Pascal. He talks about Gladiator 2 from 37:07 onwards:

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jun 21, 2023, 03:04:18 PMNew Variety interview with Pedro Pascal. He talks about Gladiator 2 from 37:07 onwards:

QuotePedro Pascal discusses his recent roles in 'The Last of Us' and 'The Mandalorian', teases his character in the upcoming sequel to 'Gladiator' and talks about his habit of spoiling his work to Uber drivers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87KpzKcz3I

QuoteYou don't need to be a fan of Gladiator to stare in amazement at some set photos that Collider is debuting for you right now. But if you are hyped up about Gladiator 2, you'll be glad to find out that Paramount and Universal Studios and director and producer Ridley Scott are taking it extremely seriously. During a visit to Malta, where he is currently attending the Mediterrane Film Festival, Collider's Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub was able to gather some images from the set of the highly anticipated movie, which just started filming a few days ago in Malta.

The photos reveal that this location from Gladiator 2 is massive in scale, and a huge coliseum – or at least a good chunk of it – is getting built on the tiny island overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The photos also reveal the construction of several buildings, which suggests that a whole Roman cinema-city is coming to life in Malta. The massive set is curbed by huge tents, which suggests the workforce involved in putting the set together is hefty. Since they're apparently going all out, it's safe to assume that the production team also will put hundreds of extras in place to simulate a screaming crowd. If the photos prove anything, it's that there certainly is room for everyone.

Since principal photography has just started in Malta and the building of the sets is clearly on its way, it'll probably be a while before we get to see Paul Mescal (Aftersun), Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth), and Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) in costume as they start bringing their characters to life. The fact that Paramount and Universal decided to go with a real, life-sized coliseum (rather than creating a CGI backdrop) for its most important scenes also suggests that the studio is confident about the project and the promising script written by David Scarpa (All The Money in the World). Check out the new set photos below.

QuoteCaracalla's father appointed Caracalla joint Augustus and full emperor from 28 January 198. This was the day Septimius Severus's triumph was celebrated, in honour of his victory over the Parthian Empire in the Roman–Persian Wars; he had successfully sacked the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, after winning the Battle of Ctesiphon, probably in October 197.

Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 28, 2023, 05:24:12 PMHave no idea. I always thought they did fight with everyone :)

Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 28, 2023, 05:24:12 PM

QuoteCaracalla's father appointed Caracalla joint Augustus and full emperor from 28 January 198. This was the day Septimius Severus's triumph was celebrated, in honour of his victory over the Parthian Empire in the Roman–Persian Wars; he had successfully sacked the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, after winning the Battle of Ctesiphon, probably in October 197.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracalla

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jun 29, 2023, 03:04:46 PMFour huge Egyptian style statues visible in this photo:

Quotebig and bloody battle was filmed today on the steps leading up to the colosseum

Quote"They should be f**king paying me for the amount of questions I get asked about the f**king film that I am not even in." He shared, "I don't know anything about the cast, I don't know anything about the plot." After all, since his character Maximus died in Gladiator, for which the actor won the Oscar, "in that world, I'm dead, six feet under. And that's that."

However, he emphasized that "if Ridley has decided to do a second part ... he will have really strong reasons," adding, "I couldn't think of that movie being less than absolutely spectacular." The actor also admitted "to a certain tinge of jealousy," because the film reminds him of "my youth" and what it meant for his life.

Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 21, 2023, 08:35:58 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jun 21, 2023, 03:04:18 PMNew Variety interview with Pedro Pascal:

He didn't say anything about Gladiator but three of Scott's movies are in his top 10: Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise ;D

Quote from: Ingwar on Jul 14, 2023, 04:33:54 PMRidley doesn't have luck. First Spacey with All the Money in the World, lockdown during shooting The Last Duel and now this.

Quote from: nanison on Jul 14, 2023, 06:44:27 PM

Quote from: Ingwar on Jul 14, 2023, 04:33:54 PMRidley doesn't have luck. First Spacey with All the Money in the World, lockdown during shooting The Last Duel and now this.

And not given the chance to finish his alien trilogy (for better or worse)

Quote from: Times of MaltaGladiator 2' filming on hold as Hollywood actors strike.

Hundreds of extras and crew could lose jobs as insiders 'plan for the long haul'.

Updated 12pm Friday with Film Commissioner comments

Filming for the sequel to Gladiator has been put on hold following the announcement of industrial action, according to sources close to the production.

Hollywood's actors' union on Thursday evening announced a strike against movie and television studios after talks over pay and other working conditions collapsed.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) said its members would walk out at 9am on Friday (Malta time).

Preparations for the shutdown were underway in the past few days with those involved "planning for the long haul," sources said, adding that the financial implications of the shutdown were "huge."

Sources said some Maltese extras have been told not to report for duties on Friday because of the strike.

Details of the preparations were not available, but it is understood these have been focused on logistics, such as accommodation arrangements for those forced to stay in Malta for the duration of the halt in filming.

Job fears for extras and crew
According to film producer Martin Bonnici, the production employs hundreds of crew and extras, who are at risk of losing their jobs if filming is paused for too long.

"At the moment, I just hope that the servicing company involved in the production would be able to keep them on board in some capacity or at the very least offer some form of compensation to workers who lost their job early," he said, though stressed he is not involved with the film's production or the servicing company managing it.

Film Commissioner Johann Grech said his office was in "full solidarity with all those affected."

"We are following developments and we remain especially supportive to our local crew affected by this strike," he said.

The strike action by the industry's biggest union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), was called after a midnight deadline on Wednesday passed without an agreement being reached with major studios including Netflix and Disney.

The deadline followed last-ditch talks to come to an agreement on pay and working conditions and the use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) in film productions, amongst other issues.

The strike will affect all members of the actors' union, which, in the case of Gladiator sequel, includes Denzel Washington and Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal.

In June, the union representing 160,000 actors and performers agreed to extend contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) until July 12, with talks having stalled since then.

Filming for the Ridley Scott epic began in Malta in June and was originally set to last four months.

It is being shot at Fort Ricasoli, the large fortification in Kalkara which also served as the main setting for the original film.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/gladiator-2-hold-hollywood-actors-strike.1043363

QuoteTimes of Malta

GWU to meet with film commissioner after Gladiator sequel filming paused
Union says it is reaching out to crew members to offer support

GWU General Secretary Josef Bugeja (inset) said the union had offered support to those working on 'Gladiator 2'. Photo: Jonathan Borg.
GWU General Secretary Josef Bugeja (inset) said the union had offered support to those working on 'Gladiator 2'. Photo: Jonathan Borg.
The General Workers Union (GWU) will be seeking a meeting with Film Commissioner Johann Grech, as concerns mount about the impact a Hollywood actors' strike will have on local film crews.

GWU General Secretary Josef Bugeja said union representatives have started reaching out to crew members working on the Gladiator sequel to offer support, he said.

The union intended to meet with Grech to trace a way forward, he said.

"We're still waiting to understand the situation better, how long the strike might go on for and what the impacts will be," Bugeja said. "Based on that assessment, we will then ask the film commissioner for a meeting."   

The GWU will also be holding a meeting internally next week to discuss the situation. It has not ruled out asking for a meeting with Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, he said.

The union is also hoping that British productions scheduled to be filmed in Malta and not affected by the strike will be able to begin shooting earlier in the year, allowing local crew members do not remain without work.

Filming on the set of 'Gladiator 2' was put on hold on Friday after Hollywood's actors' union the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) announced an industry-wide strike.


Its members walked out at 9am on Friday (Malta time) after talks over pay and working conditions, including the use of generative AI (artificial intelligence), collapsed. 

Hollywood stars Denzel Washington and Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, currently shooting in Malta, are amongst the 160,000 actors and other workers worldwide affected by the strike.

Some of the cast and crew working on the Gladiator sequel are GWU members through the union's Professionals, Finance and Services Section. But Bugeja said the GWU had contacted all those working on the film, regardless of their membership status with the union.   

Many film sector workers in Malta are not unionised, and sectoral organisers say many workers are discouraged from joining a union for fear of being blacklisted.

Filming paused
The upcoming Gladiator sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, employs hundreds of people in Malta, including an estimated 700 extras. 

A source close to the project told Times of Malta that extras had been told on Thursday night not to come in the following day, adding that all that had been booked to work had been paid due to the late notice.

When asked if it was possible to continue filming without the film's leading actors, the film's co-producer Winston Azzopardi explained the difficulties.

"We have to shut down... there are bits and pieces to do, but the lead actors carry the story," he said.

"We're still working, just not filming... we'd love to know for how long but we don't know," Azzopardi said, describing the mood on set as "sombre."

Filming began in June and was expected to continue until the end of August.

Quote from: CinemaBlendThe Creative Way Gladiator 2 Is Reportedly Filming Despite The SAG And WGA Strikes. By Adam Holmes.

The SAG-AFTRA strike officially begins midnight on July 14, and the Writers Guild of America strike has been going on since May 2. So with members of both organizations engaged in their respective labor disputes, this will obviously impact numerous Hollywood film and TV productions. However, regarding Gladiator 2, the long-awaited sequel to Russell Crowe's Gladiator and one of the movies on the 2024 release schedule currently shooting, it's being rumored that the Ridley Scott-helmed sequel has found a creative way to keep the cameras rolling in the midst of the SAG and WGA strikes.

Although it was reported by outlets like Variety that Gladiator 2 is among the high-profile international productions internationally that will shut down SAG strike kicks off, APACHA 194, with that acronym standing for Alliance of Practitioners, Artists, and Crew for Hollywood Abroad, claims that the sequel won't grind entirely to a halt. Instead, it will "continue with actor doubles and crowds, shooting as much as possible with the hope of negotiations being settled soon," and the "main actors" will allegedly be kept "close" by. The tweet also posed the question of if "other offshore productions" could follow suit. This information should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is a curious way to circumvent what will soon be a major obstacle.

With the current WGA strike going for over two months now with no end in sight, it's entirely possible that the same will happen with the SAG-AFTRA strike. So while it's understandable to hope that this particular strike will end soon, if the Gladiator 2 crew will indeed have to focus on shooting doubles and crowds, there's only so much footage that can be shot before the leading actors are required again. At that point, production will need to completely shut down until the strike is resolved. Still, it's worth waiting to see if any reputable outlets or official sources confirm if Gladiator 2 is indeed taking this course of action.

As for the actors who will be going on strike, the Gladiator 2 cast is led by Paul Mescal as Lucius, who was previously played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original Gladiator. Mescal's castmates include Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Dijon Hounsou reprising their roles from the 2000 movie, as well as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, among others. As mentioned earlier, Ridley Scott resumed his directing duties for the sequel, while David Scarpa wrote the script. Gladiator 2 began filming in June, though early into production, there was a stunt accident that injured multiple crew members.

Gladiator 2 is currently slated on November 22, 2024, although if production ends up stalling for a long time, that release date will obviously need to change. We'll keep you posted on where things stand with the sequel as more updates come in.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/creative-way-gladiator-2-reportedly-filming-sag-wga-strikes

QuotePETA TARGETS CAST & DIRECTOR
Over Alleged Animal Use

Ridley Scott allegedly has his actors interacting with live animals on the set of "Gladiator 2" -- something PETA has become aware of, and which it's urging the production to halt.

The animal rights org fired off a handful of letters over the past few days -- all obtained by TMZ -- and they're aimed at the director and his big-ticket cast ... Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal and others.

In the correspondence to Ridley, PETA says it's received whistleblower complaints alleging he's using both horses and macaque monkeys on set while shooting in Malta ... including a claim at least one of the horses recently collapsed. PETA is presuming the alleged collapse is due to extreme temperatures on the Mediterranean island.

It says, "Scorching summer heat and oppressive costumes are a dangerous mix for horses, who are naturally skittish animals, prone to flight and injury, and vulnerable to the stresses of a film set. The film and TV industries have a past riddled with on-set horse injuries and even deaths. We sincerely hope Gladiator 2 avoids adding another death to that list.

PETA also lists the dangers of working with live macaques, saying they're unpredictable and can hurt humans. They also say these monkeys are often ripped from their mothers at a young age for these types of film settings ... calling their alleged use unethical.

Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, PETA says it's heard rumors "Gladiator 2" is continuing production this week, and asks Ridley to leave live animals out of it completely, suggesting he use CGI animals instead.

We've reached out to Ridley, Paramount, and the production company behind 'G2' ... so far, no word back.

BTW, we're told a similar letter was fired off to all the actors attached to 'Gladiator 2.'

In addition to the lead stars ... others like Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Lior Raz, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, Peter Mensah, Mike Parish, and Chi Lewis-Parry were implored by PETA to Ridley and relay the org's concerns. It's unclear if any of them received or read the letter.

https://www.tmz.com/2023/07/18/gladiator-2-cast-director-peta-letter-alleged-animal-use/

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jul 18, 2023, 10:21:00 AMOur beloved Sir is in hot water again:

QuotePETA TARGETS CAST & DIRECTOR
Over Alleged Animal Use

Ridley Scott allegedly has his actors interacting with live animals on the set of "Gladiator 2" -- something PETA has become aware of, and which it's urging the production to halt.

The animal rights org fired off a handful of letters over the past few days -- all obtained by TMZ -- and they're aimed at the director and his big-ticket cast ... Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal and others.

In the correspondence to Ridley, PETA says it's received whistleblower complaints alleging he's using both horses and macaque monkeys on set while shooting in Malta ... including a claim at least one of the horses recently collapsed. PETA is presuming the alleged collapse is due to extreme temperatures on the Mediterranean island.

It says, "Scorching summer heat and oppressive costumes are a dangerous mix for horses, who are naturally skittish animals, prone to flight and injury, and vulnerable to the stresses of a film set. The film and TV industries have a past riddled with on-set horse injuries and even deaths. We sincerely hope Gladiator 2 avoids adding another death to that list.

PETA also lists the dangers of working with live macaques, saying they're unpredictable and can hurt humans. They also say these monkeys are often ripped from their mothers at a young age for these types of film settings ... calling their alleged use unethical.

Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, PETA says it's heard rumors "Gladiator 2" is continuing production this week, and asks Ridley to leave live animals out of it completely, suggesting he use CGI animals instead.

We've reached out to Ridley, Paramount, and the production company behind 'G2' ... so far, no word back.

BTW, we're told a similar letter was fired off to all the actors attached to 'Gladiator 2.'

In addition to the lead stars ... others like Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Lior Raz, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, Peter Mensah, Mike Parish, and Chi Lewis-Parry were implored by PETA to Ridley and relay the org's concerns. It's unclear if any of them received or read the letter.

https://www.tmz.com/2023/07/18/gladiator-2-cast-director-peta-letter-alleged-animal-use/

Hope the queer giraffes are okay.

Quote from: VarietyIt was a typical day on the set of "Gladiator 2" in Malta. British director Ridley Scott was orchestrating a complex sequence featuring the film's star, Paul Mescal, and several hundred extras, all of it unfolding inside a replica of the Colosseum. They were more than halfway through the arduous three-month production of the film that marked the long-awaited sequel to Scott's 2000 Oscar best picture winner, when, on July 13, at high noon, Scott called "Cut!" Quickly, word began to spread that half a world away, talks between SAG-AFTRA and the major studios and streaming services had collapsed.

Given that the cast and crew of the action epic had been living in a bubble, the prospect of a strike had seemed remote. But it didn't take long for the grim reality to sink in. Within hours, Scott and his producers had sent a note to the crew saying that production was shutting down.

"There was just this sadness," one source says. "We were completely out of the politics and just invested in the work. Now, a lot of people are going to lose their livelihoods, won't be able to keep up home payments, school payments."

Most of the cast, including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, began booking flights out of Malta, presumably toward home, leaving behind a big-budget production that had employed more than 400 people.

The cast and crew of "Gladiator 2" weren't alone that day. Other major studio productions such as Disney's "Deadpool 3" and Warner Bros.' "Beetlejuice 2" abruptly stopped. For many, it seemed like a flashback to March 2020, when Hollywood came to a screeching halt at the start of the COVID lockdown.

Already, the collateral damage from the work stoppage is intense and unyielding. For big-budget projects like "Gladiator 2" and "Deadpool 3," the cost of holding on to soundstages packed with sets and costumes runs about $600,000 per week, one media CEO estimated. How long can studios keep shelling out money if the strike grinds on indefinitely? That's to say nothing of the economic devastation reverberating around the business. Not only are actors and writers out of work, but cinematographers and makeup artists, grips and production assistants, costume designers and carpenters have been left without steady paychecks. It's a situation that seems unlikely to be resolved soon, because a yawning chasm separates the labor leaders and moguls, who need to find common ground if cameras are going to start rolling again.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jul 19, 2023, 09:51:38 AMI remember Scott saying the forced break while shooting The Last Duel actually ended up being beneficial to the film. Obviously a huge extra expense for the studio, but hey, when it's not your money...

Hopefully the same will be true for Gladiator II. It's a long strenuous shoot (especially for an older guy like Ridley and his most senior crew) and the break should give everyone time to rest, recharge and to reassess how the rest of the film should proceed.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jul 19, 2023, 07:34:02 PMthe cost of holding on to soundstages packed with sets and costumes runs about $600,000 per week

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Mar 21, 2023, 04:25:59 PM

Quoteand the tank facilities are also expected to be used for one of the battle scenes.

The real colosseum was apparently often flooded with water and they had these "naval battles" playing out in it. I wonder if Scott is going to do this?

 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/La_naumaquia-Ulpiano_Checa.JPG/800px-La_naumaquia-Ulpiano_Checa.JPG

QuoteI have photos of the shooting of #Gladiator2 but I can't post them.. 😔
Just a hint, we are going to see the famous Naumaquias in the coliseum.

Quote from: Ingwar on Aug 19, 2023, 04:56:25 PMAre they still shooting?

Quote from: Times of MaltaGladiator film to be given €47 million in taxpayers' money
The rebate breaks record for the biggest state aid to cinema in the EU.

Paying millions in salaries to Hollywood actors and directors;
Film Commission already went over allocated budget by €58 million;
Government is yet to say where the money will come from and who is approving budget overshoot
Maltese taxpayers will be paying €46.7 million to the film company producing the Gladiator sequel film, official figures reveal.

Through the Malta Film Commission, the government has committed itself to paying €46,653,961 to the subsidiary company of Paramount Studios for the production of Ridley Scott's sword-and-sandals epic film.

The rebate is part of a generous cash scheme that promises production houses up to 40% cash back if they film in Malta. The rebate breaks the record for the biggest state aid to cinema in the EU.

Official figures emerging from the state aid website of the EU Commission show Italy gave the second biggest rebate, in the form of a tax allowance, to a cinematic production, and that rebate was less than half the rebate Malta is giving to Gladiator.

The government says the scheme is significantly growing the film industry by attracting top Hollywood productions, which in turn inject millions more into the Maltese economy.

But top industry insiders insist that almost half of the big productions' budget is not spent directly in Malta, even while the production is filming on the island. Productions spend millions on hundreds of crew members brought to work in Malta and to rent and ship equipment from other countries.

Of the €46.7 million that Gladiator is getting, for instance, €5 million will go to pay a share of the salaries of actor Denzel Washington, director Ridley Scott and other top cast and crew. Millions more will go to pay the salaries of hundreds of other foreign crew members and actors and to subsidise the renting of high-end cinematic equipment, props, costumes and machinery from other countries.

This means tens of millions of euros eligible for the rebate are spent on services provided by foreign companies and individuals who do not even pay taxes locally. But the Maltese government still reimburses productions with 40 per cent of the money that is not spent in Malta. Industry insiders said only a fraction of the film's entire spend eventually ends up working its way into the Maltese economy.

The first Gladiator film shot in Malta in 1999, when the cash rebate scheme was yet to be created, had reportedly left around €21 million in the Maltese economy, and the government did not need to return any of that money. "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," a top industry insider said.

The government claims that last year alone, the industry injected €85 million in Malta but is yet to explain when and how that money made its way into the economy.

But the issue has now been further exacerbated following a major strike announced by the Hollywood's actors union last month, bringing the Gladiator filming to a halt. International actors and crew left Malta and the massive set at Fort Ricasoli was abandoned, effectively blocking the Film Commission from being able to rent it out to other, smaller productions not impacted by the strike. It is unclear how long the strike will last.

Quote from: DeadlineGladiator 2' Star Paul Mescal Says He Was "Too Afraid" To Talk To Pedro Pascal & Why Sequel Film Has Him "Stressed".

Paul Mescal is the lead of the Gladiator sequel and will have Pedro Pascal as a co-star. The Normal People actor is opening up about his first interaction with The Mandalorian star and why the Ridley Scott-directed sequel film has him "stressed."

Mescal is set to take over the role of Lucius that Spencer Treat Clark portrayed in the original 2000 film. Ahead of Pascal's involvement in the film, Mescal ran into the actor at LAX airport but was "too afraid" to approach him.

"He came up and just seemed so genuine," Mescal told Esquire, in an interview conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike. "I'm really looking forward to hanging out with him."
Although filming for the sequel film has been halted due to the ongoing actors strike, Mescal said at the time he was nervous about not spilling any tea on what Gladiator 2 is about.

"I can't get into that!" he told the publication. "I can't tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular, because it's definitely the biggest one I've done. I feel really excited, but, like, it's difficult to get away from the legacy of the film a bit.'

He continued, "I think it's really well written and it pays homage to the first one, but it's very much something that I think I can step into and make comfortably my own."

Mescal also noted he has not spoken to OG Gladiator star Russell Crowe adding, "I don't know what we would talk about. Like, I'd love to hear his stories from filming, but the character is, like, totally separate."

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 08, 2023, 12:20:20 AMhttps://twitter.com/BrianDuffield/status/1699936728843432337

Quote from: CinemaBlendGladiator 2 Star Paul Mescal was (Obviously) Asked How Often He Thinks About The Roman Empire, And His Response To The Viral TikTok Trend Is A+

What do you get when you cross one of Hollywood's most anticipated blockbuster sequels with one of TikTok's most viral current trends? In this particular case, you get Gladiator 2 star Paul Mescal being asked how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and we should all be grateful that he went for brevity with his A+ response, as opposed to an endless dissertation about the ins and outs of that particular ancient society.

Fans will be waiting a while to see Ridley Scott long-awaited Gladiator sequel, which isn't set to be released until late 2024, but no one needs to spend any more time wondering where Mescal averages when it comes to his daily time spent thinking about the Roman Empire. When asked by Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg, the Aftersun actor offered up a bemused response that naturally ties back to his in-the-words epic. Here's how he put it:

I would say in the last six months, I've been thinking about the Roman Empire quite a bit. Other than that, I would say my dad thinks about the Roman Empire daily.

Now, does that mean Paul Mescal spent six months thinking about the myriad ways Rome was the crux of ideas that led to modern day necessities and pleasantries? Was he marveling at the concept of indoor plumbing for half a year? Probably not, since his main focus was probably on making sure he knew his lines and his scene marks, and what all was needed to make filming Gladiator 2 as successful as possible

No, it doesn't sound like the Normal People star matches up with the myriad dudes who have been captured on video admitting how often they're pondering the Roman Empire's impact on society. But his dad seems to be another story. Maybe that's the next video we can expect to see on TikTok in the coming days: Paul Mescal's dad waxing poetically about the days of empires yore.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in seeing just how far-flung this trend will get by the time it fades into the Internet ethers. I guess the next logical steps would be getting Joaquin Phoenix and Ridley Scott into the mix, though don't hold your breath.

Quote from: World of Reel'Gladiator' Sequel Had 50% of Filming Completed When Strike Shut Down Production

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2" shut down its production on July 13th, just hours before the SAG-AFTRA strike began. Due to the ongoing strike, the shutdown is costing Paramount/Universal $600,000 per week.

Scott's sequel was filming in Malta and the cost of holding on to the rented soundstages is to blame for the exorbitant amount of wasted money. Paramount have so far lost around $8 million due to the shutdown.

Now, according to Variety, the film was around halfway done filming when cameras stopped filming in Malta. The cast and crew were in the middle of shooting a big action piece which was said to take place in the Roman Colosseum.

"Gladiator 2" is currently scheduled for a November 22, 2024 release, but that date could very well be delayed if the actors strike doesn't end soon.

Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 29, 2023, 10:53:29 AMI thought it was a writer's strike?

Quote"Can I see Paul Mescal being as big as Russell Crowe? For sure," Scott tells Total Film in our new issue, which hits newsstands on October 12. "I watched Normal People. It's not my kind of show but I saw four episodes in a row – boom, boom, boom. I was thinking, 'Who the hell is this Paul Mescal?'

Ridley Scott says the decision to cast Paul Mescal as the lead of Gladiator 2 was all down to Normal People.

Mescal will play Commodus' nephew Lucius in the long-awaited sequel to the beloved first movie. Scott, who is on the cover of the new issue of Total Film magazine, opened up about finding Mescal for the role.

"And then I watched the whole series. And then, suddenly, Gladiator 2 came up, because the script was working pretty well. And I kept thinking about Paul. And that was it."

Elsewhere in our comprehensive interview with the legendary director, Scott also opened up about why now is the right time to tell this sequel. "Why now? It didn't have a script [before]. We tried, actually, four years ago, and I chose a very good writer who couldn't get his head around it. He wrestled. He was terribly upset that he didn't deliver. He's a friend of mine. I said, 'You're not getting there?' He said, 'No.'

"That took 10 months. So it went dead. And then we circled the wagons again, coming back with a very obvious idea, and why not? There's a survivor. The survivor is the son of the union between Lucilla and Maximus."

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 03:57:13 PMI wonder who the writer friend is. John Logan?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Oct 06, 2023, 03:59:21 PM

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 03:57:13 PMI wonder who the writer friend is. John Logan?

Nick Cave?

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 04:56:42 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Oct 06, 2023, 03:59:21 PM

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 03:57:13 PMI wonder who the writer friend is. John Logan?

Nick Cave?

Cave was Crowe's friend not Scott's, and that was 2005-2006 when he was writing.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Oct 06, 2023, 05:17:29 PM

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 04:56:42 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Oct 06, 2023, 03:59:21 PM

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2023, 03:57:13 PMI wonder who the writer friend is. John Logan?

Nick Cave?

Cave was Crowe's friend not Scott's, and that was 2005-2006 when he was writing.

It might actually be Peter Craig (Top Gun 2) who was working on a Gladiator 2 script back in 2018. Kind of matches with Scott's timeline.

John Logan was attached to the Gladiator sequel not long after the first film (which he co-wrote) was released.

Quote from: Total FilmRidley Scott teases Denzel Washington's role in Gladiator 2: "He's a rich guy carrying a grudge"

Exclusive: Napoleon Director Ridley Scott talks to Total Film about the upcoming sequel.

Ahead of the release of his new epic Napoleon, director Ridley Scott sits down with Total Film to discuss his past, present, and future projects, including the long-awaited follow-up to his 2000s smash hit Gladiator. The sequel stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Barry Keoghan, and Denzel Washington, whose role has been left unclear, until now.

"As for Denzel's character... There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive. That was the deal," Scott tells Total Film magazine in the new issue, which hits newsstands on Thursday, October 12, and features the director on the cover, "So we went right into that, in-depth. Where did he come from? How was he taken? He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that's how he comes into the story."

The process of a Gladiator winning back his freedom was explored heavily in the original movie, where the once-powerful general Maximus, played by Crowe, is forced to become a common gladiator after being sold into slavery.

Scott then goes on to explain how Washington's slave-turned-gladiator character is unforgiving towards Romans because of what has happened to him in the past. "He's a rich guy who's still carrying a grudge," Scott concludes.

The director went on to state his admiration for the Hollywood star, adding: "I respect Denzel Washington tremendously. I shouldn't call Denzel a golden oldie – he'd f**king kill me – but he's gold dust." This will be the second time the pair work together after Washington starred in Scott's 2007 masterpiece American Gangster.

Quote from: Ingwar on Oct 07, 2023, 08:07:45 PMNow I'm intrigued. I didn't expect that. It might be better for a movie as "gold dust" Denzel as Emperor wouldn't have much screen time.

Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 08, 2023, 10:55:58 AMIs there any word of Djimon Hounsou returning?

Quote from: The Hollywood ReporterDjimon Hounsou is expected to return as Juba, a fellow gladiator and onetime ally of Maximus.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-sequel-casts-joseph-quinn-1235321581/

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Oct 08, 2023, 12:16:18 PM

Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 08, 2023, 10:55:58 AMIs there any word of Djimon Hounsou returning?

Not 100% sure, but he is listed on IMDB among the cast. Also this from THR:

Quote from: The Hollywood ReporterDjimon Hounsou is expected to return as Juba, a fellow gladiator and onetime ally of Maximus.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gladiator-sequel-casts-joseph-quinn-1235321581/

Quote from: Times of MaltaGladiator sequel extras scanned on set: 'It didn't feel like we could say no'
Like unionised actors on strike in America, local talent is beginning to worry if studios will use their likeness in future productions

In a fake Roman city, built out of wood and scaffolding at Fort Ricasoli, extras swung prop swords and shot off imaginary arrows while a camera crew captured every moment.

Yet, in between takes, extras who had signed up to take part in the Gladiator sequel were pulled aside by production staff and asked to step into a camera-filled booth where their likeness was scanned.

"It didn't really feel like we could say no," one extra said who, months later, has now begun to worry that their likeness will be used in future productions without their knowledge and consent.

"If they do have your face, you have no idea if it's going to be put in a trailer or a film or a video," another extra said.

In June, filming for Ridley Scott's anticipated sequel to Gladiator began at Fort Ricasoli.

Pulling members out of the crowd
With hundreds of extras on set, production staff began to pull members out of the crowd.

"They didn't explain why they were doing this, we thought they were taking us to do another scene," one extra told Times of Malta under the condition of anonymity, claiming that staff took several extras without asking if they wanted to be scanned.

While many recalled the same experience, others noted that production staff had asked groups of extras if they would like to be scanned, prompting them to raise their hands willingly.

Some claimed that this happened days before the production was shut down due to a Hollywood actors' strike, while others said that scans were taking place during the production's early days.

Part of the strike is focused on the actors' union's worries about AI, which may pose a threat to their jobs in the future as the technology can take scans and reproduce performances from scratch.

On their way to the scan, staff took each group, which held less than 10 extras, to make-up and wardrobe. As they waited, make-up artists explained to the group that they would be scanned.

Offering no further explanation, extras were taken to the scanning booth where production staff spoke to each of them individually just before they entered.

'We will use this to fill in gaps in the crowd'
"Staff told us: 'We will use this to fill in gaps in the crowd,'" one extra claimed, but outside of a technical explanation of how to appropriately stand for the scan, no explanation on their rights was given.

"They told me they were going to use it for the crowds in the Colosseum," another said.

It didn't really feel like we could say no," they said, claiming that the matter felt rushed which gave them little time to think or ask questions.

After they were scanned, extras were either taken back to set to continue shooting or were taken back to their holding tent to wait for transportation home as the day wrapped up.

Since then, extras said they have been paid for their performance but have been given no further information on the scanning, fuelling worries about their future career in film.

"If there is another production in Malta and they ask me to take a scan, I will say no," an extra said.

'Hollywood taking advantage'
However, the majority of extras said their worries began after seeing a social media post claiming that scans may threaten their future careers.

On September 1, aspiring filmmaker and crew member Matthew Maggi posted to a private film and TV group on Facebook, asking extras from the Gladiator sequel who have been scanned to come forward.

In the post, Maggi claimed that scanned extras are at risk of seeing no future jobs in Hollywood as "the studios already own their likeness/identity".

Maggi, who helped found the Alliance for Practitioners, Artists and Crew for Hollywood Abroad, expanded on the stance that echoes what many SAG (Screen Actors Guild) actors are currently protesting against.

"Malta is one of many examples... which Hollywood is taking advantage of. It is using it as a backyard," he said, as Maltese extras are not unionised, which may give studios the opportunity to abuse the system.

When local actors are used as scans, if those scans can be used in future productions globally, actors in every country will see less work as studios may attempt to cut costs by using the scanned models instead of filming with extras on set, he said.

"Less extras means less days, smaller setups, less crew, and less work for everyone'," Maggi continued, emphasising that the ripple effect will bleed into all production professions.

Questions have been sent to Latina Pictures, a local studio producing the Gladiator sequel. Times of Malta has also spoken to representatives of Paramount Global, the parent company of Paramount Pictures which is producing the film.

In documents seen by Times of Malta, extras signed a release form that gives consent to Latina Pictures for the "reproduction, exhibition, transmission, broadcast and exploitation" of the project and their image.

The form also gave producers permission to "record," "photograph," "reproduce" and "simulate" the extra's name, voice and picture "in any manner whatsoever".

However, the document does not sign away an actor's likeness or identity for future projects.

The issue remains that Maltese actors are not unionised, leaving them wide open to abuse from studios with no support to stop productions from using their likenesses in the future, Maggi claimed.

Multiplying extras digitally has been used in productions in the past, such as Game of Thrones and Ted Lasso, making cities and stadiums look packed without bringing thousands of extras to set.

When scanning extras, the lack of an explanation production staff give is one example of how studios are taking advantage of local talents, he said.

"They make it seem it is part of the normal process. It is becoming part of the process, but they make it hard for you to say no as they normalise it and make you seem difficult if you say no," he said.

Multiplying extras digitally has been used in productions in the past, such as Game of Thrones and Ted Lasso, making cities and stadiums look packed without bringing thousands of extras to set.

However, multiplying crowds in this way is most commonly done using a visual effect in post-production called crowd tiling, and does not require scanning of individuals. 

Maggi emphasised that it was not common practice in Malta pre-COVID to scan extras, as large productions such as Assassin's Creed saw no extras being scanned.

Under Maggi's post, several people noted that scans have been taken previously on Maltese shoots, namely on Napoleon – a film directed by Ridley Scott who is also leading the Gladiator sequel – and The Last Voyage of the Demeter, which was partly filmed in Malta.

QuoteWith sag-aftra and the studios back in negotiations, he was preparing to pick up "Gladiator 2," which stars Paul Mescal, the moment the strike was resolved. "I could shoot on Monday," he said. (The talks fell apart a week later.) In the meantime, he'd been polishing the ninety minutes he had, including a scene in which the hero fights a pack of baboons; he'd been haunted, he said, by a video of baboons attacking tourists in Johannesburg: "Baboons are carnivores. Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg? No! A baboon can."

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 09, 2023, 12:28:22 PMProduction should be back up and running on this soon, I'd imagine!

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 09, 2023, 12:31:18 PMRidley said he could start on Monday ;D

QuoteOver in Malta, Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2" will be resuming production on the island, where a gigantic ancient Rome open-air set set that includes a life-sized Coliseum has been deteriorating since July 14 when the sequel was shut down. The sets will now need plenty of touching up.

Sources in Malta say the Paramount, Universal and Scott Free production is now expected back soon after nearly four months. A recent New Yorker profile revealed that in the meantime, Scott has been busy editing the 90 minutes of footage he was able to capture.

QuoteScott has signalled December 4 as a potential date to restart the shoot of the multi-million film at Ricasoli, Kalkara, sources close to the industry said.

QuoteDEADLINE: Now that the strike is finally over, how quickly can you get your Gladiator sequel back on track?

RIDLEY SCOTT: Couple weeks. Thank God it's over. We shot about 90 minutes, at least that's finished. It's really getting the sets cleaned up, they're already built. I got another 90 minutes to go.

DEADLINE: Presumably you couldn't talk with your actors during the strike. How did you protect against the possibility your gladiators have porked up over the last half year?

SCOTT: None of my guys do that. 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.

DEADLINE: I have heard Denzel Washington has been working out hard. You had him in a badass turn in American Gangster....

SCOTT: 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.

QuoteDEADLINE: Your movies often get sequels, some you've directed and some not. What here interested you enough to direct Gladiator 2?

SCOTT: Well, economically, it makes sense. That always begins there. I thought the [first] film was, as it were, completely satisfactory, creatively complete, so why muck with it, right? But these cycles keeps going on and on and on, they repeat globally for the last 20 years. It started to spell itself out as an obvious thing to do, and that's how it evolved. The hardest thing is getting the footprint right with the writer. There was a very obvious way to go, which was who's the survivor? Well, the survivor could be Connie, Marcus' daughter, but what's even more interesting, and therefore a double whammy, there's the son. Whatever happened to him? It became about that, and that's Paul Mescal. It's 20 years on. That was harder than casting Russell as Maximus, that was more obvious.

DEADLINE: Once you see Russell play that cop in L.A. Confidential, you could see he had the charisma and authority to play Maximus. What about Paul Mescal?

SCOTT: I'm always looking for someone, something new and fresh. I mean, fresh is terribly important. So they're not carrying ... baggage is a terrible word for what they've done before, because it's great stuff, but you will remember he just did this character already. I watched this show called Normal People. It's unusual for me, but I saw one and thought, that's interesting. These actors are really good I watched the whole goddamn show and thought, damn. So this came up at a time when I need a 23 year old, 24 year old to take up the mantle of Lucius. And I just said, you want to do it? He said, yeah. He was about to do Streetcar Named Desire in London.

DEADLINE: What about Denzel?

SCOTT: 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.

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 14, 2023, 07:43:49 PMHard to tell. To quote Scott I have a script finished to the extent that we've already pitched to studios and I've already wrecked it, might be anything. I still hope it's Broken Land :)

QuoteZahler does everything right with Wraiths of the Broken Land. The book pulls you under and never lets you up, the cruelty he dishes out throughout the novel – to both our heroes and villains – is vicious at best, and the ending is so powerful that it's debatable as to who the victors really are in this bloodbath of a book.

Quote from: Film StoriesAs part of a much longer interview with Deadline that is well worth a read, it's revealed that 'it's period, with a script like perfectly distilled liquor, and two stars ready to join him in what he said is a bucket list project for him.'

Sounds pretty exciting, right?

Speculation is rife that the project will be an adaptation of the S. Craig Zahler novel, Wraiths Of A Broken Land which Scott optioned a few years ago.

Drew Goddard, who penned the script for The Martian has reportedly written the screenplay, with the story focusing around 'A father who attempts to rescue his daughters from a brothel with the help of his two sons and their outlaw gang.'

https://filmstories.co.uk/news/ridley-scott-plans-to-make-a-western-next/

Quote from: World of ReelAbout that mysterious western, set to be his next film, Scott tells deadline that he expects to shoot it next March. Although he is keeping the details to himself, he says it's period, with a script like "perfectly distilled liquor, and two stars ready to join him" in what he says is a "bucket list project" for him.

Who are we kidding here? It's gotta be his adaptation of S. Craig Zahler's Western novel "Wraiths of the Broken Land." The project was announced in May 2016. Scott would be re-teaming with "The Martian" writer Drew Goddard for this one.

Here's the synopsis:

"Wraiths of the Broken Land," published in 2013, is set in Mexico around 1900 with two sisters forced into prostitution at a gentlemen's club. The sisters' two brothers and their father attempt to rescue them through their outlaw gang which also includes a former slave, an Indian and a brutal gunman (or "wraith") who is the tactical leader.

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2023/11/8/vr69qmrveqmiuw8tgehobseqbqnwbu

Quote from: nanison on Nov 16, 2023, 12:40:35 AMI'm pretty sure I read "wraiths" was in production a few years ago but I guess it stalled.

Quote from: nanison on Nov 16, 2023, 12:40:35 AMI'm pretty sure I read "wraiths" was in production a few years ago but I guess it stalled.

QuoteDenzel Washington's New Movie Creates A Great New Career Trend After Gladiator 2 Casting

Denzel Washington is set to play a big role in Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2, but that isn't the only film set in ancient Rome that he'll appear in.

Denzel Washington is setting a new career trend by taking on roles in two upcoming movies set in ancient Rome, including Gladiator 2 and a film about Hannibal the Conqueror.
This trend of Washington starring in ancient civilization films is a more specific continuation of his previous role as the titular king in 2021's The Tragedy of Macbeth.
While both movies are set in ancient Rome, they will have different tones and focus, with Gladiator 2 expected to be more action-oriented and spectacle-driven, while Washington's Hannibal film will likely delve deeper into the history of the conqueror.

Denzel Washington's new movie has revealed an odd pattern, setting up a great new career trend after his casting in Gladiator 2. Denzel Washington is one of the most popular actors of the modern era, with him appearing in all kinds of critically-acclaimed films throughout his career. However, some of his recent career choices have followed an interesting trend, but this may be the perfect choice for Denzel Washington's future.

Denzel Washington is an Academy Award-winning actor that has appeared in all kinds of films throughout the past few decades, with him making a name for himself in both blockbusters and smaller films. Washington has starred in such films as Malcolm X, Training Day, Fences and more, with him even leading the popular action franchise The Equalizer. Denzel Washington's career is far from over, however, as he now has a role in one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming sequels: Gladiator 2.

Ancient Rome isn't a setting that Washington has dabbled in before, but the future of both movies prove that he is delving into the landscape head-first. This actually is a more specific version of a trend that Washington has already experimented in, as this is another film about ancient civilizations starring Washington as a great ruler. Washington previously starred in 2021's The Tragedy of Macbeth, with him playing the titular king.

Although both Denzel Washington's Hannibal movie and Gladiator 2 are set in ancient Rome, they will undoubtedly be very different. Ridley Scott is returning to direct Gladiator 2, meaning that it will probably be similar to the original. So, it can be expected that Gladiator 2 will heavily focus on action, appeal to broad demographics, and focus more on spectacle than accuracy. It isn't known how big of a role Washington will play in the film, as Gladiator 2 will focus on Paul Mescal's Lucius, the nephew of Commodus.

Denzel Washington's Hannibal film, on the other hand, will probably give a greater focus to the history of the conqueror. Both films will undoubtedly have a grand scale, but the tone and story of the films will depart due to the different subject matters. While ancient Rome is the common setting that both Denzel Washington movies share, the Hannibal movie and Gladiator 2 won't be the same.

https://screenrant.com/denzel-washington-gladiator-2-hannibal-conqueror-ancient-rome/

Quote from: Rolling StoneWhat's the status of Gladiator 2?

I just looked at the cutting copy of it. I've already got it cut together. I overlap, and I move fast. I was shooting it for nine weeks and heard about the strike and had to stop. It's an hour and forty-five minutes after nine weeks, and I've just looked at the fine cut. There will be visual effects. I've got a rhinoceros charging around in an arena trying to kill people. That all starts getting polished together.

What made you want to revisit the world of Gladiator?

I love historic films. In many ways, my best experiences have been The Duellists, Kingdom of Heaven, and Gladiator — because Gladiator was so successful, and you want to enjoy some success. I've almost always got a period thing cooking on the side somewhere because history is so fascinating. With history, we don't learn any lessons, do we? We keep repeating the bad news.

We do a lot of that in America.

Yes. But America I've always looked at as the epitome of democracy. And dude, at the moment, you still are — just. You're really the only one in the world left at that level. It cannot slide any further sideways. It must not.

What sold you on Paul Mescal as your warrior-lead in Gladiator 2?

I have to have a bedtime story, so every night I watch something. I'm a big news freak, so I do the news first. I get the news from CNN because it's my favorite news program. I think they stick more or less to the truth. People say they don't, but yes they f**king do. And then I found Normal People, and I thought, "This is interesting." Both the girl and him were very real. And already I was thinking, "Down the road in a year, he might be the lead to take over where Russell Crowe left off." I asked Paul Mescal and he said, "Yes, absolutely." Commodus is the brother of Lucilla. Lucilla has the child, Lucius, but it's from the union of her and Maximus — which she has kept a secret. It's really the story of, "Whatever happened to Lucius?" There were a lot of inaccuracies in Gladiator, but I think it turned out pretty damned good. It certainly wasn't a history lesson, and we cheated a lot along the way, but we based a lot of it on the last days of Marcus Aurelius, whose son was indeed Commodus, and whose daughter was Lucilla.

Quote from: Screen RantGladiator 2 Update Offers More Clues About Denzel Washington's Role In Epic Sequel

Ridley Scott details the role being played by Denzel Washington in his upcoming Gladiator 2, offering clues as to how he fits into the story.

- Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott reveals more details about Denzel Washington's character, an ancient arms dealer and former gladiator

- Washington's character is wealthy, runs a stable of gladiators, and is plotting to take power from the Roman rulers.

- While there are similarities to Oliver Reed's character Proximo, Washington's character is more successful and ambitious.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Scott provided several key details about Washington's unnamed Gladiator 2 character and how he fits into the world of Ancient Rome. Describing his character as an ancient arms dealer who has gotten rich by providing the Roman army with weapons and supplies, the director also revealed that Washington's character was once a former gladiator who won his freedom and now runs his own stable of competitive warriors. Check out his comments below:

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.

Quote from: Cinemablend
Ridley Scott Describes His Original Gladiator 2 Opening Scene With Russell Crowe, And Now I Need To See This

Sir Ridley Scott has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, one that extends all the way back to Alien and Blade Runner (two of his absolute best) and continues to the historical epic Napoleon, which is enjoying a theatrical run before making its way to AppleTV+ later on this year. The prolific director, who is staying busy well into his eighties, is moving right back to Gladiator 2, which was delayed thanks to the SAG-AFTRA strike but is ready to resume production ahead of a planned 2024 release. The long-awaited sequel to Scott's Oscar-winning Gladiator has gone through multiple iterations over the years, many of which we break down here, and during a recent conversation, the director gave more details to the opening scene he had crafted that would have used original Gladiator star, Russell Crowe.

Ridley Scott was a guest on CinemaBlend's official podcast, ReelBlend, to talk all things Napoleon. And towards the end of the conversation, we brought up Gladiator 2, knowing that the director was in the middle of his shoot. We mentioned the fact that there have been numerous versions of Gladiator 2 available for people, and brought up the ones that once included Russell Crowe. As you likely will recall, Crowe's character Maximus dies in the arena, having faced down Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). But Scott figured out how to bring Crowe back, and once envisioned a Gladiator 2 movie that opened as such:

Nick Cave wrote the script, but I had the idea. I knew how to bring him back through a portal, back to the real world. I'm not going tell you what it is, because somebody will steal it. . ... I talked to Nick every other day for about a month as he was writing it. And so I said, 'We can bring him back this way.' And what I want to do is start the film in Styx, on the edge of the ocean, and you see him, this warrior, wandering in armor. Then, it's Maximus wandering, looking for where he's going to go next. That's Scene One.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 24, 2023, 05:33:55 PMI've got a rhinoceros charging around in an arena trying to kill people.

QuoteRidley Scott's Gladiator took home five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, but while many audiences would consider it a major accomplishment, producer Doug Wick recently detailed that he did still have a regret about the picture, which is that they couldn't deliver a CG rhinoceros in any of the epic battles that Scott had hoped to include. While there might not be any official plans of when a follow-up film could be moving forward, the producer noted that, were such a project ever to take place, he hopes to right that wrong and deliver the CG rhino that Scott deserves.

"There are issues that were really more about cost," Wick shared with ComicBook.com about the film. "Which is, for example, Ridley wanted a rhino in the arena. And, when we talked to the animal trainers, they said, 'Well, they're great to work with, but once you start it, you can't stop it.' So then we priced a CG rhino and it was just too expensive. So I would say that was one of the regrets, we couldn't give Ridley a CG rhino."

He added, "It's a running joke, that if we ever do a sequel, Ridley gets his rhino."

Quote from: nanison on Nov 26, 2023, 02:47:36 AMI hope the scene with the recreation of a naval battle in the arena is filmed too. I'd love to see how that could have looked in real life

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Aug 05, 2023, 03:59:50 PMhttps://twitter.com/Alberto_EPCREW/status/1687399766651539456

QuoteI have photos of the shooting of #Gladiator2 but I can't post them.. 😔
Just a hint, we are going to see the famous Naumachia's in the colosseum.

Quote from: KiramidHead on Nov 26, 2023, 03:30:50 AMI'd say that they stopped doing naval battles in the arena by the time thus movie takes place, but Ridley would probably tell me to go f**k myself.  :laugh:

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 25, 2023, 09:37:50 PM

QuoteRidley Scott's Gladiator took home five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, but while many audiences would consider it a major accomplishment, producer Doug Wick recently detailed that he did still have a regret about the picture, which is that they couldn't deliver a CG rhinoceros in any of the epic battles that Scott had hoped to include. While there might not be any official plans of when a follow-up film could be moving forward, the producer noted that, were such a project ever to take place, he hopes to right that wrong and deliver the CG rhino that Scott deserves.

"There are issues that were really more about cost," Wick shared with ComicBook.com about the film. "Which is, for example, Ridley wanted a rhino in the arena. And, when we talked to the animal trainers, they said, 'Well, they're great to work with, but once you start it, you can't stop it.' So then we priced a CG rhino and it was just too expensive. So I would say that was one of the regrets, we couldn't give Ridley a CG rhino."

He added, "It's a running joke, that if we ever do a sequel, Ridley gets his rhino."

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/gladiator-movie-regret-doug-wick-rhino-russell-crowe/

https://content.propstore.com/auction/philtippett/test/listings9/lot64/img01.jpg
https://us.propstoreauction.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/48/lot/11930/index.html

QuoteRidley Scott Wanted Rhinos Instead Of Tigers.

Although the tigers in the Maximus-Tigris battle scene seem plausible to the average viewer, it would have been more true to history to have rhinos released into the arena as part of the combat. Rhinos were actually very regularly fought by gladiators in Roman arenas, which is why Scott wanted to have them in the scene. While having rhinos in the scene would have kept true to the historical elements of actual gladiator spectacles of ancient history, the VFX proved to be too costly to include them in Scott's film. As a result, tigers proved to be just as effective in Gladiator while also reducing the overall costs of post-production.

Even if the rhinos had been affordable for Gladiator, their appearance in the Maximus-Tigris battle scene would have looked silly due to its general strangeness in this day and age. Despite the historical accuracy of rhinos taking part in ancient gladiator battles, rhinos aren't typically perceived as dangerous threats nearly as much as wild tigers are. Some of the early test footage of Gladiator featuring rhinos simply looks funny, which would have undermined the serious and intense tone that the Maximus-Tigris battle scene so powerfully evoked from its audience. For both financial and narrative reasons, VFX tigers were a much better choice than rhinos for Gladiator.

Even though tigers were the better choice compared to VFX rhinos, the tigers that were featured in Gladiator weren't as vicious as they should have been. Scott and his production crew also used actual tigers during the filming process, which made it much easier from a practical shooting standpoint than trying to acquire heavily endangered rhinos. Some of the close-up shots of the real-life tigers are impactful, especially when viewed on the big screen. However, the VFX tigers that jump on Maximus during the battle hardly leave a scratch on him, which is incredibly odd considering how easily a tiger could have overtaken him through sheer force alone.

While the VFX tigers are certainly not up to Life of Pi standards, they were lifelike enough in appearance at the time to pass as believable in Gladiator. Scott and his crew might have used more of the VFX tigers than they had intended to since much of the actual tiger footage in the film features them standing or not moving around very much. The complications of having live tigers on a movie set are obviously vast, but one of them might have actually been that the real-life tigers were unmotivated and hard to direct. This likely resulted in more of a reliance on the VFX tigers in Gladiator, which could have been much more vicious and terrifying.

In a 2020 interview with Comicbook.com, Gladiator producer Doug Wick joked about Scott's initial requests for rhinos to be in the original film and how if there were ever a sequel, he would get him a CGI rhino. Considering that Wick is producing Gladiator 2, there is certainly a great chance that Wick will make good on his promise and allow Scott to have a rhino in the highly-anticipated sequel. With more than twenty years of experience and classics like American Gangster and The Martian under his belt since Gladiator, it only seems right that the celebrated director finally sees his CGI rhino wish come true.

Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 27, 2023, 01:35:20 PM1:29 about rhino.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qABQG-Ghwc

QuoteGladiator sequel resumes filming after actors' strike ends

Since Monday, extras, actors and crew have flocked back to the Roman era set

Quote from: Ingwar on Dec 01, 2023, 02:56:37 PM

QuoteGladiator sequel resumes filming after actors' strike ends

Since Monday, extras, actors and crew have flocked back to the Roman era set

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/gladiator-sequel-resumes-filming-actors-strike-ends.1070529

Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 08, 2023, 10:55:58 AMIs there any word of Djimon Hounsou returning?

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 22, 2023, 12:09:54 PMA couple new details:

-In a Sky News interview Ridley said that they should finish shooting the rest of the film before Christmas.

-In a Rotten Tomatoes interview Ridley said Paul Mescal's character was in the wilderness for the last 12 years since we last saw him and his mother doesn't know whether he is still alive.

QuoteParts of the countryside off Miżieb have been temporarily transported back to the era of the Roman Empire, as construction begins on a fresh set for the Gladiator sequel.

Quote from: VarietyRidley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' Taps Hans Zimmer Protégé Harry Gregson-Williams as Composer (EXCLUSIVE)

Ridley Scott has found the god of music for his upcoming "Gladiator" sequel.

Harry Gregson-Williams has been hired to compose the score for the hotly-anticipated Paramount feature, which is due out Nov. 22, more than 24 years after the Oscar-winning original.

The film marks the seventh collaboration between Scott and Gregson-Williams, with the composer having penned the scores for "The Martian," "Prometheus," "Exodus: Gods and Kings," "Kingdom of Heaven," "The Last Duel" and "House of Gucci." Other credits for Gregson-Williams include "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget," "The Meg," "Mulan," "The Gilded Age," "The Equalizer," "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," "The Chronicles of Narnia" and all three "Shrek" films.

In something of nice twist, Gregson-Williams also spent many years as the protégé of Hans Zimmer, who was the composer on the first "Gladiator" (and landed an Oscar nomination for his work).

With a script penned by David Scarpa, the "Gladiator" sequel will focus on Lucius, the nephew of Commodus who is now a grown man. Paul Mescal will play the lead role, heading up a cast that also includes Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger and Pedro Pascal.

Scott directs and produces alongside Michael Pruss via Scott Free, Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment with David Franzoni, Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk and Aidan Elliot exec producing.

Scott most recently directed "Napoleon," starring Joaquin Phoenix as the notorious French leader, which has grossed over $200 million worldwide.

https://variety.com/2024/film/news/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-composer-harry-gregson-williams-hans-zimmer-1235862580

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 03, 2024, 01:38:59 PMLooks like Pedro Pascal might have been injured on the Gladiator II set. Possibly a dislocated shoulder. Photo taken on New Years eve:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GC4Su_8XIAATq3O?format=jpg&name=medium
Russel Crowe also suffered from several injuries during the filming of the first movie.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 09, 2024, 01:50:40 PMSo the injury didn't happen on the Gladiator 2 set:

https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1744717122930896925

QuoteRidley Scott's "Napoleon" was revered by the British critics and scored well at the European box office, but it found a muted stateside response. (The Metascore is 64 — respectable but not stellar.) During the awards race (ballots are due January 16 at 5 PM PT), the movie scored well with crafts — but the Golden Globes nominated Joaquin Phoenix for "Beau is Afraid," not "Napoleon."

All of this leaves the 86-year-old filmmaker waiting a while longer to return to the Best Director circle; his fourth nomination was in 2016 for "The Martian." He caught up with us on Zoom at his vacation home in Provence before he wraps the last few weeks of post production on "Gladiator 2," which will be released Thanksgiving weekend. He likes to skirt around some questions.

Anne Thompson: You've got to finish "Gladiator 2?"

Ridley Scott: This house belongs to a general Robert of Napoleon's army. I didn't know when I got it. I've been here 29 years. It's a holiday house. But sometimes I do quite a lot of work and writing here. So I find it restful. No one bothers you, so you get locked down. I've now finished almost 85 percent of "Gladiator." We were interrupted by the strike, so I lost four months. Otherwise, right now I'd be mixing it. I went back about four weeks ago after the strike and nearly finished before Christmas and I've got to go back 10 days to finish. It's a real pain.

So 23 years after the first "Gladiator," are we taking up 23 years later?

Ridley Scott: Without giving away too much of the plot, the word is out. It really boils down to whatever happened to Lucius [Spencer Treat Clark]. Lucius was the survivor of the first one, which people forgot, fortunately. Lucius was the son of Lucilla; he disappeared at the end because there's no reason to follow him. And we utilize that as a device to say what happened and where did we go next?

The actor is Paul Mescal.

Ridley Scott: Yes. I got lucky. I happened to be watching "Normal People." And I thought, "Who is this guy?" So I got lucky. He's got what it takes.

We didn't know that he was an athletic, muscular guy.

Ridley Scott: No, I did. He used to play Irish rugby, which is about as violent as it gets.

Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 17, 2024, 02:13:30 PM

Quote from: Ridley ScottIt's a real pain.

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 08, 2024, 08:25:29 AMRemember, pain is temporary, film is forever.  ;D

Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 18, 2024, 11:46:16 AMhttps://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/paul-mescal-posting-a-photo-with-ridley-scott-on-instagram.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&dpr=1.5

Quote from: Times of MaltaThe Malta Film Commission, through Screen Malta, last week announced that the set of Gladiator 2 will be opening its doors to the public for an open day this Sunday, with guests being offered a guided tour of the fort.

The Gladiator set, where photos have been restricted, includes a reproduction of the Roman Colosseum and several portions of an imperial palace set.

Other set pieces on display include an armoury, prisons, catacombs, an ancient and triumphal arch, a round temple and a colonnade.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/strictly-prohibited-photos-gladiator-2-set-banned-open-day.1079139

QuoteThis was the only time that the public will get to see the set in person as it is set to be demolished on Monday.  Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Quote from: Times of MaltaPublic transported to Roman times day before Gladiator 2 set is dismantled

People clad in hoodies and jeans on Sunday time-travelled to ancient times as the set of the new Gladiator film opened to the public. 

While people and the media were allowed to tour Fort Ricasoli and the Malta Film Studios in Kalkara, just a day before the set is dismantled, no one was allowed to take photos of the Gladiator set.

The open day comes as filming of the upcoming Ridley Scott epic concluded this week in Malta.  During filming, Fort Ricasoli was transformed into Ancient Rome, complete with the Colosseum, Forum and Senate.

"We felt like we were back in Roman times: the props and scenography were so interesting," one of the visitors, Simon Camilleri, said at the Kalkara fortification. 

Many who spoke to Times of Malta said they were impressed by the set for the sequel to the 2000 epic Gladiator.

"Everything you see seems real: you wouldn't know it was fake - they (producers) deserve praise," Joe Balzan, who was visiting the set with his wife Mary Rose, told Times of Malta. 

Robert Caruana was impressed with the size of the sets. "The scale of it is impressive," he said. 

Another visitor, Rosario Mizzi, was impressed with the detail: "What I like the most is the attention to detail. There are small pieces of graffiti, for example. Even though it's something really small, they still included it".

Many people who visited on Sunday were seeing the set for the first and last time, but Joselyn Blandon said she knows the place well as she played an extra in the film.

"I was playing a Roman citizen - my costume was amazing: my dress was long, and they did my makeup and hair every day. It was... wow," Blandon said. 

"We started every day at 5am until 4pm or 5pm: they were long days," Blandon said, adding she was the only Ecuadorian on set.

Andres Anaya from Colombia said he was hoping to meet Denzel Washington, but did not manage to see him on set.

The Gladiator set is open to the public until 5pm on Sunday. 

Guided tours in English and Maltese are being held every 20 minutes, and there is a free shuttle service from the Cospicua Ferry to the set. 

Besides the set of Gladiator at Fort Ricasoli, the Malta film studios - right next to it is also open to the public.

Quote from: ColliderFilming 'Gladiator 2' Was Like Performing Theater, Says Fred Hechinger

Fred Hechinger loved working alongside the master director for the long-awaited sequel.

Ridley Scott's distinctive filming techniques, including the use of multiple cameras, contribute to the cinematic experience and provide more choices in the editing process.

The use of multiple cameras enhances visual storytelling and allows for greater coverage of scenes in Scott's films.

Actors on the set of Gladiator 2 described the filming process as theatrical and exciting, creating a unique and connective experience that is difficult to put into words.

Ridley Scott is a master of filmmaking at this stage of his life and career and a reason for that is his highly distinctive way of shooting and covering his films. The director is renowned for his filming techniques which he feels contribute enormously both to the cinematic experience of his films, as well as giving him more choice and variety in the editing process. A notable aspect of his approach is the use of multiple cameras during filming.

Scott will often employ multiple cameras — as many as eight — simultaneously to capture various angles and perspectives, enhancing the visual storytelling. This technique allows for greater coverage of a scene, providing a rich array of shots to choose from during editing, and contributes to the dynamic and immersive quality of his films. This was, once again, the case for his latest film — Gladiator 2 — which just wrapped production last week.

One of its stars, Fred Hechinger, has been speaking about acting for Scott and his overall experience on Gladiator 2 while in an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, on the promotional trail for his new project, Thelma, alongside June Squibb and Clark Gregg. While talking at the film's premiere junket at Sundance, Hechinger described Scott's process as theatrical, reminding him of when he would perform on stage, and added that it was "amazing" to film. He said:

Quote"It's amazing. I mean, the eight cameras reminds me of theater because you have an entire environment that's created in camera. But I have to say, what's amazing, too, is when something feels alive it feels alive in unique but connective ways. So, when something's really special, what we're doing here, when you start to find a rhythm, again, if I'm lucky, I feel connected to that feeling of when I started doing plays. I've never been able to put a name to whatever that weird feeling is, but you just get a sense of it".

Gregg remarked that the feeling he felt was something akin to "I hope they're getting this." Hechinger agreed, saying "Yeah, yeah! I hope they're rolling", before adding, "There's something that you can't put your finger on that's within the moment, of the moment, in the moment. We spend all this time hanging out, and first off, you make real friends, which is an amazing part." He continued, saying, "And then you also, within the scenes, you find something that you cannot name. And all the intensity of that set breeds that, and all the kind of gentleness of this one breeds that. I always find that the process becomes the product, and so, however it's designed is built to bring out and nurture and kind of speak to that story that it's trying to tell".

https://collider.com/gladiator-2-ridley-scott-fred-hechinger/

QuoteWhat makes Dariusz such a valuable collaborator?

He copes with me! My pressure on Dariusz is huge. He has to be able to cope with an ambition of wide shots and close shots all shot together. That's tough, [but] Dariusz is a master of that. I was a pretty good camera operator myself on 2,000 commercials, then The Duellists, then Alien. I've [always] worked very closely with a DP because frequently it's the frame that is the most important thing. After that, it's how you balance the light.

I did a thing [with multiple cameras] on American Gangster with another cameraman [Harris Savides, ASC], who was very good. I got on well with him, and he honestly did a terrific job on the film. But I started to introduce three cameras, four cameras, [and] he didn't like that. I heard him talking to the gaffer, saying, 'I can't cope with all of these cameras, what do you think?' And the gaffer said, 'Actually, I kind of enjoy it.'

Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 29, 2024, 03:05:04 PMHe looks like a Dunedain :)

Quote from: World of Reel'Gladiator 2' Trailer This Sunday?

Empire City is hinting at a possible trailer drop for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2" this coming Sunday during the Super Bowl. That would make a lot of sense given the CBS and Paramount connections. It's also the definition of a "Dad" movie — which is the core demographic for football watching. Before Scott wrapped production on "Gladiator 2," he had mentioned that 50% of the film had already been edited during the strike. So, there is a lot of clean footage that can be used for a 30-second ad.

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2024/2/6/3yygmzy62r02lc7syd1iwytnr8zjrd

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 14, 2024, 04:44:26 PMSo we are going to have a flashback scene then?

Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 14, 2024, 04:47:40 PM

Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 14, 2024, 04:44:26 PMSo we are going to have a flashback scene then?

Seems like it. Does it mean we gonna see Maximus as well?

Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2024, 05:04:08 PMThat looks very stiff

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 08, 2024, 08:25:29 AMRemember, pain is temporary, film is forever.

QuoteYou're in the forthcoming Gladiator 2. Can you recount a scene you enjoyed making and how it might have challenged you as an actor?

I've been a part of big sets where the identity of the project, in a sense, is its size—and still, I have not been on a set as impressive as Gladiator's. [Director] Ridley [Scott] leaves very little to the imagination in the most old-fashioned sense. All the players and pieces are there on the day, and suddenly the expected challenge of believing yourself as a powerful person in the era of the Roman Empire is evaporated.

QuoteWell, Ridley said that I fight baboons, so I'm not going to get in trouble for that. So yeah! Unless it's on the cutting room floor.

Quote from: The Hollywood ReporterRambling Roundup: Ridley Scott's Very Expensive Roman Holiday

Ridley Scott's Very Expensive Roman Holiday
With accidents on the set, complaints about animal abuse and now reports that the production went wildly over budget, sources tell Rambling Reporter that Ridley Scott's long-anticipated Gladiator sequel is leaving Paramount execs feeling a bit like Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor Commodus — "terribly vexed." Initially budgeted at $165 million, sources say that figure has ballooned to something closer to $310 million. (Paramount insiders insist the net cost of the 49-day shoot was under $250 million.) "It's a runaway," says one source. "It's not being managed." The strikes account for some of that money; the shutdowns starting in July reportedly cost $600,000 a week, or a total of about $10 million, until Scott resumed shooting in December (though there were reports he kept cameras rolling during the work stoppages, shooting extras at crowd scenes in Malta, where he built a Coliseum set). But even before the walkouts, Fortuna clearly frowned on this sequel, which stars Paul Mescal as a grown-up Lucius, the young royal in the original who worshiped Russell Crowe's Maximus. A stunt gone wrong in June sent four crewmembers to the hospital with non-life-threatening burn injuries. Then in July, PETA sent an open letter to Scott filled with "whistleblower" reports about horses and monkeys being abused on the set, reports that sources close to the production deny, noting that the Humane Society was on site during filming.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ridley-scott-gladiator-sequel-production-budget-1235830460/

Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 23, 2024, 06:08:54 PMWell, it ain't my money ;D

Quote from: Local Trouble on Feb 24, 2024, 09:13:33 AMCould he be secretly shooting Gladiator 3 as well?

Someone should float that theory on 4chan.

QuoteAH: And now you're doing your first huge movie.

PM: Gladiator comes across your desk and there's no way you say no to it. But with this scale of film, and to work with Ridley Scott, it's a no-brainer. Up until this point there have been very few larger films that remotely interested me.

AH: But this is Gladiator. This is not your average blockbuster.

PM: It feels really right. And also there's the capacity to learn. It's the first time that I've felt a pressure of, "God, I'm worried about box office receipts." It's a different metric. But Ridley shoots at a very different rhythm – he's quick and it's kinetic and wonderful. He knows exactly what he wants. It honestly reminds me of sport in a way that is really satisfying.

Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 04, 2024, 06:54:33 PM

QuoteParts of the countryside off Miżieb have been temporarily transported back to the era of the Roman Empire, as construction begins on a fresh set for the Gladiator sequel.

https://cdn-attachments.timesofmalta.com/b670878616b73aaf0e02f536e540e7944337d8a1-1704383259-d254c5c1-960x640.jpeg
https://cdn-attachments.timesofmalta.com/e51923603a53b99d363cfe6cc97d635ee4074b4d-1704383589-71cc7803-1920x1280.jpeg
https://cdn-attachments.timesofmalta.com/df37ab2d8326e2aa0a286880b7b60b5645766f88-1704385259-17ba8c15-1920x1280.jpeg
https://cdn-attachments.timesofmalta.com/7e7d634d206cd9a78a8651c01909c9a039a7c8f6-1704385389-d696068e-1920x1280.jpeg
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/gladiator-2-moves-mizieb-countryside-construction-begins-film-set.1076328

QuoteRussell Crowe says 'difficult' Gladiator 2 shoot could make for 'great film'

Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe has said he's heard rumours Gladiator 2 was a "difficult shoot " – but said "difficult shoots may make great films".

The sequel starring Paul Mescal is set for release on Thanksgiving later this year.

But asked what starring in a Ridley Scott movie might do for Mescal's career, Russell joked: "Well, it depends on what Ridley Scott movie you're in.

"There's plenty of Ridley Scott movies that have done absolutely nothing for the people.

"He's already finished that film and they're in post-production and from what I've heard he really got on famously (with Ridley Scott).

"I've also heard it was a very difficult shoot, but in a funny way when you're doing something big it quite often is the case you know, and quite often difficult shoots may make great films.

"So I don't know anything about the story. You know, my character, you know, passed away at the end of the first one you may remember. So it really has absolutely nothing to do with me.

But Russell said he's certain Mescal had a "great experience" on set.

"But I'm sure that he's had a great experience. I remember, you know, for me when I look back in that period of my life that was, you know, it was an incredibly exciting thing for me to be on a film set with Ridley, which I've done five films really and he's probably still my favourite director to work with, because he can really see the world that he's trying to capture and you know, if you buy into what he's doing, it's amazing experience.

"So I'm sure he's had an amazing experience with Paul and wish them all the best," he told Brian Dowling and Katja Mia on Virgin Media's Six O'Clock Show.

https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/russell-crowe-gladiator-sequel-shoot-32446548

Quote from: E. Shaw on Mar 26, 2024, 10:45:02 PMI don't know, Risleu's historical epics haven't been great in a while, Robinhood, The Last Duel, and Napoleon. I fear Gladiator 2 could be like the sequel to The Robe starring Richard Burton, Demetrius and The Gladiators did not do well because the principle character died like Maximus died, and placing a minor or supporting character in the limelight doesn't fair well, look at The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Cars 2, and Finding Dory. There are characters that thrive as supporting characters making quips, lore dumps, and etc.

I think Scott should have left alone his best epic film. It should be standalone, its Maximus who was the heart beat of the story, and now his heart has stopped as he ud in Elysium.

Quote from: BlueMarsalis79 on Mar 26, 2024, 10:49:59 PMThe Last Duel rules.

Quote from: BlueMarsalis79 on Mar 26, 2024, 10:49:59 PMThe Last Duel rules.

Quote from: E. Shaw on Mar 26, 2024, 10:57:39 PMWell it is based on a true story. But I had hard tome revisiting the same scenes over and over with only some variation; made it feel lovr budget to mr. I get why Scott had to, but the execution missed what Groundhog Day and Esge of Tommorrow did well. Again IMHO.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Mar 27, 2024, 01:06:15 PM

Quote from: E. Shaw on Mar 26, 2024, 10:57:39 PMWell it is based on a true story. But I had hard tome revisiting the same scenes over and over with only some variation; made it feel lovr budget to mr. I get why Scott had to, but the execution missed what Groundhog Day and Esge of Tommorrow did well. Again IMHO.

That's the beauty of it. It's not exactly the same scenes over and over again. It's the same events seen again from differing perspectives. There's a lot of subtlety involved so repeat viewings are necessary.

Like Blade Runner, the more you watch it, the better it gets.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 27, 2024, 12:20:06 PMHaven't seen Robin Hood (mostly 'cause I just didn't think it looked good), but I thought The Last Duel was a masterpiece, and I really dug Napoleon (though it is screaming for that extended cut).

Quote from: ace3g on Mar 31, 2024, 07:26:25 PM

Spoiler

https://twitter.com/GodzillaLets/status/1774184369852158091

[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 06, 2024, 10:55:42 PMhttps://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1776726604166685072

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 06, 2024, 10:55:42 PMhttps://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1776726604166685072

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 07, 2024, 11:33:13 AM@Ingwar will need to update thread title with Roman numerals now.  8)

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 07, 2024, 11:35:15 AM

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 07, 2024, 11:33:13 AM@Ingwar will need to update thread title with Roman numerals now.  8)

Gladiator Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 07, 2024, 11:33:13 AM@Ingwar will need to update thread title with Roman numerals now.  8)

Quote from: World of ReelThere's buzz of  a possible trailer drop for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" this coming week at CinemaCon. That would make a lot of sense given the CBS and Paramount have already installed artwork for the film in Vegas (above). Also, knowing how fast-paced Scott is with post-production work, I wouldn't be surprised if the sequel is already in the can. "Gladiator II" is set for release on November 22, and, yes, it looks like that will be the official title.

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2024/4/7/gladiator-ii-trailer-this-week

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 07, 2024, 05:07:51 PMI must say I'm not a big fan of numeral titles. Don't know why. Maybe because it reminds me of those cheap b-class movies.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 07, 2024, 04:12:11 PMGrain of salt. As Ingwar said, World of Reel can be questionable...

Might be some footage or even a teaser trailer for attendees, not so sure about a public release.

Quote from: World of ReelThere's buzz of  a possible trailer drop for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" this coming week at CinemaCon. That would make a lot of sense given the CBS and Paramount have already installed artwork for the film in Vegas (above). Also, knowing how fast-paced Scott is with post-production work, I wouldn't be surprised if the sequel is already in the can. "Gladiator II" is set for release on November 22, and, yes, it looks like that will be the official title.

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2024/4/7/gladiator-ii-trailer-this-week

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 08, 2024, 11:59:23 AMI can see getting a teaser trailer released publicly this early if they are really trying to push Gladiator II as a big end of year event movie, like what Dune: Part Two was supposed to be last year and what Avatar: The Way of Water was the year before.

There might be a bit of trepidation surrounding it after Napoleon bombing, but I think this, just by nature of being baked in as a sequel to Gladiator, is going to have a lot more mainstream appeal and interest in it right off the bat once the general public becomes aware that it's coming.

Plus, don't all the kids care about ancient Rome now after some TikTok trend or something?

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 08, 2024, 01:56:17 PMThe "how often do you think about the Roman Empire?" trend? Is that still going?

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 09, 2024, 10:25:48 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0HncAo7dM

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 10, 2024, 10:49:28 AMObviously that wouldn't stop Arthur Max from turning Malta into Northern England :).

QuoteGladiator 2 swept into the Colosseum at at Caesars Palace, where theater owners were given the first public look at footage from Ridley Scott's epic.

Scott sent in a video from London to introduce the piece. "It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first," said Scott of the film. Star Paul Mescal Mescal called it a "standout moment" in his life to date. Denzel Washington said the film will have "emotion" and "spectacle " beyond anything else in theaters this year.

In the footage, Mescal is revealed to be a gladiator (apparently, he is not playing the newphew of Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor Commodus, as had been reported). His character is seen fighting murderous monkeys, as well as a soldier on a rhinoceros. At one point, the Colosseum is filled with water for an epic ship battle.

The first Gladiator won Russell Crowe a best actor Oscar, and told the story of a Roman general sold into slavery and is forced to fight as a gladiator, all while turning his growing popularity with the people against the murderous Commodus.

It seems that Mescal's character is inspired by Crowe's Maximus. "I remember that day. I never forgot it. That a slave could take revenge against an emperor. That a slave could get justice in the arena," he says at one point.

The project also delves into politics, with Pedro Pascal playing a military figure who no longer wants to throw away Rome's young men on war — and he to is then condemned to fight as a gladiator. Washington, meanwhile, seems to be guiding Mescal to inspire revolution.

"The only truth in Rome is the law of the strongest," says Denzel.

Going into CinemaCon, Gladiator 2 was among the most anticipated movies, given its pedigree as the sequel to Scott's 2000 best picture winner, and given reports of a large budget that would suggest plenty of spectacle onscreen for the Nov. 22 release.

Scott sent in a video message, with stars helping introduce the footage including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington.

Gladiator 2 is a risky proposition for Paramount and for Scott, who takes big swings with his movies that sometimes generate hits, and sometimes don't. His 2023 Apple epic Napoleon grossed $221 million globally, which would be a concerning number for a legacy studio, though the tech giant was not counting on it as a theatrical play. For its part, Paramount is high on Scott, and has enlisted him to direct an upcoming Bee Gees biopic.

Quote from: THREpic First 'Gladiator 2' Footage Leaves CinemaCon Very Entertained
A first look at Ridley Scott's epic debuted (appropriately) at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

GLADIATOR, Russell Crowe, 2000.
Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator' DREAMWORKS/COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
Gladiator 2 swept into the Colosseum at at Caesars Palace, where theater owners were given the first public look at footage from Ridley Scott's epic.

Scott sent in a video from London to introduce the piece. "It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first," said Scott of the film. Star Paul Mescal Mescal called it a "standout moment" in his life to date. Denzel Washington said the film will have "emotion" and "spectacle " beyond anything else in theaters this year.

In the footage, Mescal is revealed to be a gladiator (apparently, he is not playing the newphew of Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor Commodus, as had been reported). His character is seen fighting murderous monkeys, as well as a soldier on a rhinoceros. At one point, the Colosseum is filled with water for an epic ship battle.

The first Gladiator won Russell Crowe a best actor Oscar, and told the story of a Roman general sold into slavery and is forced to fight as a gladiator, all while turning his growing popularity with the people against the murderous Commodus.

It seems that Mescal's character is inspired by Crowe's Maximus. "I remember that day. I never forgot it. That a slave could take revenge against an emperor. That a slave could get justice in the arena," he says at one point.

The project also delves into politics, with Pedro Pascal playing a military figure who no longer wants to throw away Rome's young men on war — and he to is then condemned to fight as a gladiator. Washington, meanwhile, seems to be guiding Mescal to inspire revolution.

"The only truth in Rome is the law of the strongest," says Washington.

Going into CinemaCon, Gladiator 2 was among the most anticipated movies, given its pedigree as the sequel to Scott's 2000 best picture winner, and given reports of a large budget that would suggest plenty of spectacle onscreen for the Nov. 22 release.

Scott sent in a video message, with stars helping introduce the footage including Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Washington.

Gladiator 2 is a risky proposition for Paramount and for Scott, who takes big swings with his movies that sometimes generate hits, and sometimes don't. His 2023 Apple epic Napoleon grossed $221 million globally, which would be a concerning number for a legacy studio, though the tech giant was not counting on it as a theatrical play. For its part, Paramount is high on Scott, and has enlisted him to direct an upcoming Bee Gees biopic.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 11, 2024, 06:30:33 PMHuh, pretty shocked that Mescal isn't playing who he was reported to be playing.

QuoteThere couldn't have been a more fitting location for the first look at Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 than The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Scott's epic sequel came roaring into the Las Vegas venue for CinemaCon, where theater owners got the first peek at his hotly-anticipated swords-and-sandals blockbuster.

Scott introduced the footage via video from London, confident in the work he, his cast, and his crew had accomplished. "It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first," he said in the video. Stars Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington both enthused about what's in store for audiences.

The footage revealed Mescal's gladiator in ferocious battle mode against some vicious monkeys and, later, a soldier utilizing a beast even more powerful than a horse—a rhino. The Colosseum itself is transformed for one massive battle, in which it's—wait for it—filled with water to allow for a ship-vs-ship high seas clash.

Gladiator 2 is the long-awaited follow-up to Scott's 2001 Best Picture Oscar winner, which followed the tortured journey of former general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), who went from valor to ruin after his might on the battlefield was viewed as a threat by the fragile, self-appointed emperor of Rome, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix.) Commodus goes to despicable lengths to neutralize Maximus, brutally killing his wife and children and selling him into slavery, where, eventually, Maximus ends up fighting as a gladiator. Gladiator tracked Maxmius's bloody path of vengeance against Commodus, in which the former general turned beloved "Spainard" of the Colosseum gets ever closer to exacting his revenge against the petulant, sociopathic emperor.

"I remember that day. I never forgot it. That a slave could take revenge against an emperor. That a slave could get justice in the arena," Mescal's gladiator says in the footage shown.

Pedro Pascal plays a reluctant military leader who, after questioning the logic of sending so many young men off to die, is summarily sentenced to becoming a gladiator himself for his conscience. Washington plays a mentor to Mescal's young gladiator, pushing him toward rebellion.

Connie Nielsen returns from the original film, reprising her role as Lucilla.

Gladiator 2 is set to storm into theaters on November 22.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 11, 2024, 06:50:15 PM

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 11, 2024, 06:30:33 PMHuh, pretty shocked that Mescal isn't playing who he was reported to be playing.

That is quite a surprise. Didn't Ridley mention how his mother, Lucilla hasn't seen him in years?

QuoteThere was something fitting about the setting.

Paramount Pictures unveiled the first trailer from "Gladiator II" on the stage of The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a Las Vegas hotel that reimagines Ancient Rome in all its decadent splendor, albeit with a few more slot machines. Director Ridley Scott seems to be offering a bloodier version of that distant age, one that finds Paul Mescal entering the arena as a nobleman who has renounced his privilege and finds himself in a life-and-death struggle for the amusement of the Roman people.

Based on the footage that Scott brought to Sin City to share with cinema owners "Gladiator 2" recaptures the first film's epic sprawl and shattering action sequences. The teaser saw Mescal face off against a charging rhino, a horde of vicious baboons, and Pedro Pascal, among other threats to his chiseled physique. There were also naval bombardments, political intrigue aplenty — and a pair of diabolical emperors who seem even crazier than Joaquin Phoenix's unhinged monarch from the first film.

Manipulating everything is Denzel Washington's shadowy operator. He seems to be pulling the strings, intending to use Mescal as a blunt instrument as he looks to steamroll over an empire that's gone seriously off the rails. "Rome must fall," he says at one point in the footage. "I need only to give it a push."

The crowd of theater operators gave the big-budget film an enthusiastic thumbs up, but will audiences? One person seems to think so. "It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first," Scott said in a video message. [It] is well worth the wait."

Of course, it's no small act to bring back "Gladiator." The 2000 film won best picture at the Oscars and was a box office smash. It was hard to cook up a sequel, however, given that original star Russell Crowe's character doesn't make it past the final credits, nor does Phoenix's character. But Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, the mother of Mescal's Lucius, as does Derek Jacobi, playing a member of the Roman Senate. They are joined by an ensemble of heavyweights that includes Washington, who previously worked with Scott on "American Gangster," and "The Mandalorian" star Pascal.

Fred Hechinger ("The White Lotus") and Joseph Quinn ("Stranger Things") play co-emperor Geta and co-emperor Caracalla, respectively. Wearing face paint and watching the whole spectacle from their imperial boxes, the duo seem to be treating the proceedings with scenery-chewing relish.

"Gladiator II" will open in the U.S. on Nov. 22, 2024. "What you're going to see...is emotion, action, and spectacle on a scale unlike anything else in theaters this year," Washington promised.

In other words, you will be entertained


https://variety.com/2024/film/news/gladiator-2-trailer-cinemacon-paul-mescal-pedro-pascal-1235966363/

Quote from: CinemaBlendI Just Saw Paul Mescal Fight A Rhinoceros For Gladiator 2, And I Couldn't Be More Hyped For Ridley Scott's Sequel.

If we are being completely honest, CinemaCon 2024 has been very light on teases. We have seen footage from upcoming movies that have shown a lot of what we expect to come. But only movies like the John Wick spinoff Ballerina and the planned musical biopic for Michael Jackson brought any never-before-seen footage that got the audience in the Coliseum at Caesar's excited. That was until Paramount Pictures closed out its panel presentation with five minutes of exclusive, first look footage from Sir Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2, and it looks more epic than we even could have anticipated.

There are several callbacks to Scott's original Gladiator throughout the footage, which makes sense. Even though the initial film came out in 2000, the legacy extends far, being one of the most successful collaborations between Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe. No, we never see Crowe in the footage for Gladiator 2 – his character, Maximus, dies at the end of the movie. But we did get a shot of a hand glancing over the top of fields of wheat... and it made me wonder if we might somehow get Crowe back from the afterlife. That was Scott's original plan for the sequel, after all. I'm still holding out hope.

Maximus is referenced early in the footage by Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus who will follow a similar path through the Gladiator ring. Lucius claims to think about Maximus daily, about how a humble man could challenge the powerful through the Gladiator competition.

But, per the footage that we managed to see, the challenges in the ring are increasing exponentially. Mescal matches Crowe's physicality and rage. But he's going to face off against hulking adversaries, and animals. ANIMALS! There was a fight scene where the gladiators fought feral, ferocious apes. And in another, Mescal faced off against a gladiator riding on the back of a rhino, whose horn had been bloodied by the corpses of his prey. It was so sick!

Ridley Scott already informed us that Mescal's Lucius has lost touch with his mother (Connie Nielsen, returning to her role), and that for all she knows, he might be dead. She still runs in the elite circles, which this time out will be portrayed by Joseph Quinn and Pedro Pascal. Quinn, in particular, seems to be taking his performance cues from Joaquin Phoenix in the first movie, playing spoiled and psychotic. There's even a shot of Quinn's character, Emperor Caracalla, giving the thumbs down.

The final major character introduced in the footage is played by Denzel Washington. He will be Mescal's mentor in the movie, someone who coaches him on what is important to the powerful Roman rulers, and schools him on how to manipulate the games to possibly bring them down. It becomes clear as the footage goes on that Washington's character is using Mescal's Lucius for ulterior motives, but they are unclear in this footage.

Everything that we saw in the footage was massive in scale and scope. One of the Colosseum battles featured two ships IN THE FLOODED ARENA as they went head to head in battle. The sight of Mescal facing a rhino is unforgettable. And the last bit suggested an expansion of war, as Pedro Pascal's character appears to escalate the battle, leading to a face off in the ring with Lucius.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/saw-paul-mescal-fight-rhinoceros-gladiator-2-ridley-scott-cinemacon-denzel-washington

Quote from: Deadline'Gladiator II' First Look Gets Thumbs Up & Loud Cheers From Exhibs At CinemaCon.

Paramount ended their CinemaCon 2024 on an epic note, that being Ridley Scott's Gladiator II. The logo was unveiled and title made official today at the Las Vegas studio exhibitor confab.

Raised stakes here: Rhinos, man-eating monkeys, battling boats in the Colosseum and a very quotable, wise, fierce Roman statesman played by Denzel Washington — he's not an Emperor. Not only does Paramount have a Thanksgiving tentpole locked up here in the sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning Best Picture, but — wow — they clearly have another awards contender on their hands.

"It's more extraordinary than the first" beamed Scott in pre-roll footage which also included stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and Paul Mescal.

First shot in the trailer is a glimpse of hands sifting through rice, and echo of the famous shot of Maximus' hand skimming over the top of a waving field of wheat in the original film. Says Paul Mescal's son of Russell Crowe's late Maximus in a voiceover, "I remember the days that a slave could take revenge on the emperor, that a slave found justice in the arena."

"Can you hear that crowd?" says Washington, "The greatest temple that Rome ever built was the Colosseum..this is what they believe in ...power."

The son of Maximus, like his father, is a slave who is more than his worth in the arena, leading a rebellion. Pedro Pascal plays a revered right-hand Roman military leader to the Emperor, but also a fierce fighter in the arena. The battle goes beyond the Colosseum in large-scale epic fights outside of stone edifices — big skirmishes that only Scott can pull off. Connie Nielsen is back, and we see her bestowing Maximus' ring to his son.

"The only truth in Rome is the law of the strongest," booms Washington — who by the way doesn't seem as despicable as Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor from the first film; he's seen in what appears several moments in the trailer dispensing advice to Mescal.

The sequel hits theaters on Nov. 22.

https://deadline.com/2024/04/gladiator-2-first-look-paramount-cinemacon-1235882043

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 11, 2024, 06:34:06 PM

Spoiler

Begins with someone pouring grain on his hands. "I remember that day. I never forgot it; that a slave could take revenge against an emperor; that a slave could get justice in the arena."

Denzel talking to a slave, "Do you hear that crowd? The greatest temple the world ever built: the Colleseum."

We see naval combat in the Coliseum — much, much bigger in scale than the first movie. Pedro Pascal is shown being crowned by Joseph Quinn. Denzel says, "It's an art choosing gladiators. Some choose entertainment; some choose brute force;"

Mescal is branded, and sort of recruited by Denzel. Pedro Pascal is shown leading a group of soldiers similar in battle — he must be some kind of commander or general.

Mescal is leading a group of gladiators against a rhino in the arena. "When it charges, break for the wall." He uses the sand to blind the rhino and has it crash against the wall.

There's a war with the Romans against another army. We see lots of naval combat, with Pedro leading the Roman army and seemingly wins. We see some trebuchets as well. (Think: Ridley Scott version of Minas Tirith battle, but a little smaller in scale.)

"I will not waste another generation of young men for their vanity," Pedro says to Lucilla.

Quinn does the thumbs up and down like Joaquin did in the first movie.

Something happens and Pedro is forced to fight in the arena. He fights groups of men on his own.

Lucilla gives Mescal the ring that belonged to Maximus.

Mescal eventually enters the arena and fights Pedro in the Coliseum. Trailer ends with impressive sword combat between the two of them.

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity" voice over is said by Mescal as we see someone walking across a field, with the hand touching the grass.

[close]

https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-movie-footage-description-cinemacon/

Quote from: St_Eddie on Apr 15, 2024, 01:50:50 AM

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 11, 2024, 06:34:06 PM

Spoiler

Begins with someone pouring grain on his hands. "I remember that day. I never forgot it; that a slave could take revenge against an emperor; that a slave could get justice in the arena."

Denzel talking to a slave, "Do you hear that crowd? The greatest temple the world ever built: the Colleseum."

We see naval combat in the Coliseum — much, much bigger in scale than the first movie. Pedro Pascal is shown being crowned by Joseph Quinn. Denzel says, "It's an art choosing gladiators. Some choose entertainment; some choose brute force;"

Mescal is branded, and sort of recruited by Denzel. Pedro Pascal is shown leading a group of soldiers similar in battle — he must be some kind of commander or general.

Mescal is leading a group of gladiators against a rhino in the arena. "When it charges, break for the wall." He uses the sand to blind the rhino and has it crash against the wall.

There's a war with the Romans against another army. We see lots of naval combat, with Pedro leading the Roman army and seemingly wins. We see some trebuchets as well. (Think: Ridley Scott version of Minas Tirith battle, but a little smaller in scale.)

"I will not waste another generation of young men for their vanity," Pedro says to Lucilla.

Quinn does the thumbs up and down like Joaquin did in the first movie.

Something happens and Pedro is forced to fight in the arena. He fights groups of men on his own.

Lucilla gives Mescal the ring that belonged to Maximus.

Mescal eventually enters the arena and fights Pedro in the Coliseum. Trailer ends with impressive sword combat between the two of them.

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity" voice over is said by Mescal as we see someone walking across a field, with the hand touching the grass.

[close]

https://screenrant.com/gladiator-2-movie-footage-description-cinemacon/

So... it's just a complete retread of the first movie but with added outlandish aquatic based CG spectacle? Absolutely nothing coming out about this flick is managing to dissuade me from thinking that this will go down in history as one of the most pointless and unnecessary sequels of all time... right up there with the likes of S.Darko.

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 15, 2024, 04:16:23 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV32z9uTCp4

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PM

Quote from: Ingwar on Apr 15, 2024, 04:16:23 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV32z9uTCp4

Can't wait to see what a $310 million Ridley Scott movie looks like.  :o

[Geek Mode On]

Funny, when I first started speculating on the inclusion of Naumachias, before filming even started, I thought they should throw in some sharks as well.

But then I thought it would probably be a bit over-the-top. I mean, how would you get the sharks to the Colosseum? Rome is more than 15 miles from the sea, and a shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates. And the Colosseum was flooded with water from the Tiber river. Sharks cannot survive long in fresh water.

Crocodiles would probably make more sense since they are amphibious and live in freshwater.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMa shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates.

Quote from: SiL on Apr 15, 2024, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMa shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates.

Depends entirely on the type of shark. Many can breathe without moving.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 08:30:42 PM

Quote from: SiL on Apr 15, 2024, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMa shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates.

Depends entirely on the type of shark. Many can breathe without moving.

Man-eaters can't.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMSharks cannot survive long in fresh water.

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMFunny, when I first started speculating on the inclusion of Naumachias, before filming even started, I thought they should throw in some sharks as well.

But then I thought it would probably be a bit over-the-top. I mean, how would you get the sharks to the Colosseum? Rome is more than 15 miles from the sea, and a shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates. And the Colosseum was flooded with water from the Tiber river. Sharks cannot survive long in fresh water.

Crocodiles would probably make more sense since they are amphibious and live in freshwater.

Quote from: SiL on Apr 15, 2024, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 15, 2024, 05:09:18 PMa shark needs to keep swimming otherwise it suffocates.

Depends entirely on the type of shark. Many can breathe without moving.

Quote from: St_Eddie on Apr 15, 2024, 11:35:09 PMExactly. It's Hollywood excess, bullshit spectacle and flies in the face of what the first film was all about. There's absolutely nothing to suggest that the Romans flooded their arenas and used sharks during gladiatorial battles. That particular suggested history comes from Hawaii's historical gladiatorial battles.

It's all just a case of sequelitis; "There were animals in the first film... tigers, so we better go BIGGER for the sequel." Bullshit.  I'm hating everything about this movie, from concept to regurgitated plot and 'member berries.  As though it weren't enough for Ridley Scott to sully his work on Alien with the prequels, now he's gonna sully Gladiator too.  Just... f**k off.  Sick of it.

Quote from: St_Eddie on Apr 17, 2024, 03:49:46 AMSorry, but I rather liked the relative historical accuracy of the original film. The only things which were inaccurate within the original film were the language and the characters (in regards to their real-life counterparts). There were no CG sharks and ships splashing about within a Roman Colosseum. Sorry, nope, not having it.  I have never wanted to see Gladiator turned into Pirates of the Caribbean III.  Can't say that was upon my bucket list.

Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 17, 2024, 04:44:12 PMThere was an Indy 3 script where Jones rides a rhino like a horse. Ford looked at that and said f**k off.  :laugh:

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 17, 2024, 04:48:14 PM

Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 17, 2024, 04:44:12 PMThere was an Indy 3 script where Jones rides a rhino like a horse. Ford looked at that and said f**k off.  :laugh:

But he didn't have problems with surving a nuke by hiding inside a fridge?  :laugh:

Quote from: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Apr 17, 2024, 02:18:07 PMhttps://twitter.com/RidleyScottArch/status/1780623124318261450

QuoteThat will soon be followed by Gladiator II (this Nov. 22), which stars Quinn as Roman Emperor Caracalla. Quinn credits his friends and family for keeping him grounded as his résumé bulks up. "I made sure that all of my family saw the Colosseum," he says, referring to the gladiatorial arena on the set of Scott's epic. "I think these experiences are very rare, and if you're able to experience them with the people that put you here, that's always a special feeling."

Quinn seems to be having the time of his life on screen as Caracalla, though he downplays it. ("I dunno about that. Yeah, I guess so.") Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, the grown-up son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla and nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus. In the footage screened in the room at CinemaCon, Quinn appears in a flowing white toga, golden laurel-leaf crown, and white powder coating his skin as he dramatically plunges his thumb downward to note the fate of the defeated gladiators. Did he end up channeling any of Phoenix's performance? "Honestly, barely even thought about that," he says. Perhaps any similarities just happened naturally, though he does note, "More is always more for Ridley. He always wants to play the chords louder and turn it up and go for the more brave or bold form of communicating it."

Quinn gives a lot of credit to Nielsen. For as cool and collected as he always seems to appear, Quinn remembers the nerves that came with the Caracalla role. "We all were very aware of the legacy of the first film," he explains. "So many people get misty-eyed about it. So going anywhere near it again felt a little scary." Then came his time on set, witnessing the sheer size of the Colosseum for the first time. "It's bonkers, it's nuts," he continues. "That's the thing with working on a film like that, it changes your perspective on things. The fact that on a film of that scale, they built ancient Rome in Malta and to bear witness to that is truly awesome."

That's where Nielsen came in "to show us how to behave in the Colosseum," he recalls. The actress appears alongside many of Quinn's scenes, including in the CinemaCon footage. "I was very nervous about it, and she was a very calming presence," he says. "She's a wonderful woman."