Pedro Pascal & Joseph Quinn to Join Cast of 'Gladiator 2'; Connie Nielsen to Return as Lucilla

by Darian Scalamoni

    When Ridley Scott released Gladiator in 2000, it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and raised the stock of the two lead actors Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix to superstardom. Now, Scott is returning twenty-four years later to a sequel film that has already amassed a remarkable cast that includes Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan and Oscar-winner Denzel Washington. Even though that cast would be enough, the legendary director won't stop assembling talent for the follow-up.

    According to Deadline, Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman) are joining the cast of the Gladiator sequel. Nielsen will return to her role as Lucilla, while Quinn is in talks to play Emperor Caracalla. Pascal's role is currently unknown.

    The trio of actors are major gets for the sequel that will follow the blockbuster film that was a major critical success as well as financial success. Gladiator grossed over $460 million worldwide while amassing 12 Oscar nominations and winning five. With many of the characters from the original being killed off, it was essential to bring back a legacy character such as Nielsen's Lucilla to act opposite the list of major male stars that are attached. 

    Nielsen will next be seen in Ava DuVernay's ensemble drama Caste alongside Jon Bernthal, Nick Offerman and Vera Farmiga. Cinema Wave previously reported the news back in January. Quinn will co-star in A Quiet Place: Day One with Lupita Nyong'o, which we also reported in November. Pascal is having a massive 2023 reprising his role as Din Djarin for The Mandalorian's third season. Meanwhile, he's picked up massive awards consideration and acclaim for his lead role in HBO's video game adaptation of The Last of Us. Pascal will also appear in Ethan Coen's, Drive-Away Dolls which hits theaters in September.