Pedro Pascal, one of the brightest stars of his generation, is nearing the final negotiation stage to join the upcoming Gladiator sequel directed by Ridley Scott, according to Deadline. The project remains untitled at the moment and will be produced by Paramount as a continuation of the 2000 epic that Scott also directed. The original film, which starred Russell Crowe, earned international box office receipts surpassing 460 million dollars and captured the Best Picture Oscar, among other honors.
If Pascal signs on, he would join a roster of notable names reported by Deadline, including Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington. The cast promises a blend of seasoned veterans and contemporary talents, expanding the legacy of the original while inviting new audiences into the world of ancient drama and personal vengeance that defined the first film.
The original Gladiator was a joint production effort by DreamWorks and Universal Pictures. While those studios were not listed as immediate collaborators on the new installment, Deadline notes that they hold rights that could complicate or influence the partnership structure once the film moves forward. The creation of a sequel in the same universe often involves complex negotiations around licensing, licensing fees, and long term participation in potential spinoffs or rights reversion, which could shape how the project unfolds over time.
Ridley Scott will continue to shape the project with a prominent creative team. He is set to serve as executive producer alongside Michael Pruss, Doug Wick, and Lucy Fisher. David Scarpa is reported to be overseeing the script while John Mathieson returns as director of photography. Production design and costume design responsibilities are expected to be carried by Arthur Max and Janty Yates respectively, ensuring a consistent visual language with the first Gladiator while allowing room for fresh concepts suited to a modern audience.
Paramount Pictures has announced a release window for the project, eyeing a 2025 arrival in theaters. The exact date remains flexible as production schedules align with casting, location scouting, and postproduction timelines, but the studio has signaled strong confidence in delivering a high-profile action epic that honors the original story while pushing it forward with contemporary storytelling and digital effects capabilities.
The career arc of Pascal continues to rise in tandem with his recent success in television and film. The actor experienced a notable surge in visibility following his role in The Last of Us, the HBO series that garnered widespread critical and audience acclaim. That momentum feeds expectations for his upcoming projects and positions him as a central figure in a new wave of genre and drama productions that blend ambition with accessible, character-driven storytelling. The show’s impact on awards conversations remains evident as nominations and wins accumulate across major ceremonies, underscoring Pascal’s broad appeal and versatility as a performer.
Earlier this season, Pascal also broadened his screen presence with appearances in other high-profile projects and collaborations. He participated in a notable collaboration with director Pedro Almodóvar, featuring a short film that showcased a stylistic turn and a departure from conventional big-budget tropes. His involvement in this project, alongside opportunities in other film and television ventures, reflects a dynamic approach to his career as he navigates diverse genres and platforms. The momentum across television and cinema continues to position Pascal as a leading light among contemporary actors who command both critical respect and popular appeal.