Ridley Scott reveals that a third Gladiator film is in development

In 2000, Ridley Scott introduced Russell Crowe as Maximus, the fierce warrior at the center of the historical epic, Gladiator.

The film became a definitive part of his career, cementing his place as one of the most talented and efficient filmmakers working in Hollywood. It was a massive commercial success despite its hefty $110 budget. Besides that, it was one of Scott's most acclaimed works. It also earned four Oscars out of the twelve nominations it received.

Over two decades later, the director returned to helm a sequel starring Oscar-nominated Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe's Maximus. Since then, Scott has mentioned his hope to work on a sequel, following the events of the 2024 film, to present the next chapter in the lives of this known empire.

In the latest interview with The Guardian, the English director offered another update on Gladiator 3 and whether he wants to return to the Alien franchise that began with his 1979 film. He said,

"Gladiator is in process right now. Another Alien prequel – yeah, if I get an idea, for sure."

This isn't the first time the Oscar-nominated filmmaker has dropped hints about the third franchise installment and shared what he wants to do in the next potential chapter.

Ridley Scott previously spoke about Gladiator 3 after the release of the 2024 sequel

"Gladiator II" - Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere - Source: Getty

The recently released sequel ended with Paul Mescal's Lucius defeating Denzel Washington's Macrinus in a climactic battle after fighting Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) in their quest for power. His journey was one against tyrannical forces that suppressed voices like his, but the final battle allowed him to seize control over the empire.

Still, director Ridley Scott hoped to follow Lucius on an arc similar to Michael Corleone's in The Godfather film series, where the power he assumed over time ends up corrupting him, putting an end to his innocence. That's why in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter after the sequel's theatrical release, he spoke about Gladiator 3, saying,

“There’s already an idea. I always had this idea that The Godfather ends with Michael not wanting the job. He sits there, and there’s this push-in on Al. He’s already had his hand kissed. He’s betrayed his wife with lies. [Lucius] isn’t quite that evil at all. He’s wondering, ‘Father, what do I do?’"

He ended the quote with a quip, saying,

"Paul not wanting the job is a good place to start.”

On the subject of his return to the franchise, Paul Mescal also shared his interest during a 2024 conversation with Variety. The 29-year-old actor said,

“Oh yeah, massively down. I don’t think it will be [24] years -- but I have no idea when it will be.”

Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (Image via YouTube/Paramount Movies)

Speaking about the progress on the development of the third film, Scott spoke with Total Film magazine in October 2024. He said,

“I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint. If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…"

In another conversation with the Premiere magazine, he offered a note on his vision behind the third film. While speaking about Mescal's Lucius, Scott said,