Harry Gregson-Williams has joined the upcoming Gladiator sequel as composer, while Ridley Scott returns to direct from a script by David Scarpa (The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Last Castle), according to Variety.

The film is the seventh collaboration between Scott and Gregson-Williams, with other projects including The Martian,  Kingdom of Heaven, The Last Duel, and House of Gucci, as well as themes for Prometheus and Exodus: Gods and Kings. The composer also served as a protege of original Gladiator scorer Hans Zimmer for many years, making him especially qualified for the role.

Paul Mescal (Normal People) will lead the cast as Lucius, while Denzel Washington will co-star alongside ​​Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger and Pedro Pascal. The sequel follows a grown-up Lucius, son of Lucilla (Nielsen), as well as the nephew of Commodus, the son of Roman leader Marcus Aurelius. Maximus, the eponymous gladiator played by Russell Crowe, saved the boy and his mother while avenging his own family, leaving a strong impression on the child.

Also returning from the original film are costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max. While the sequel will be a Paramount production, previous studio Universal has the right to partner again when the project is wrapped.

Scott will produce with Scott Free President Michael Pruss, as well as Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher for Red Wagon Entertainment. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald executive produce.

Studios crafting the VFX include Clear Angle Studios, Framestore, and ILM.

Gladiator 2 hits theaters on November 22, 2024.