A number of highly exciting projects have been announced, and then just as swiftly, halted in the last year. The SAG-AFTRA strike brought Hollywood to its knees—rightly so—as the actors at the top and bottom of the food chain sought to find a fairer way of compensation, as well as protection from thethreat of artificial intelligence. Following last night’s tentative agreement, which was reached between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP, production ona number of major projects is set to be fast-trackedand resume as quickly as is feasibly possible.Deadline reportsthat one of those isRidley Scott’sGladiator 2, which had been shooting in, among other places, Malta during the summer of 2023.
The film takes a priority position for Paramount, as a sequel to an established brand, which was acclaimed upon release and garnished with awards glory. However, Deadline reports that there is another reason for haste —one of its stars,Pedro Pascal. An A-lister now, following his work onThe MandalorianandThe Last of Us, has been working his way up the ranks in Hollywood for a number of years. Pascal hasGladiator 2in “first position” in his upcoming slate.
In layman’s terms, that means that he will prioritize working on the film ahead of any other projects in the near future. WithThe Last of UsSeason 2— alongside his co-starBella Ramsey— set to beginfilming in early 2024, Pascal will need to finish his work on Scott’s Roman epic. If not,The Last of Uswill either have to shoot without him, or postpone the start of production which would create another headache, this time for HBO, the producer of the acclaimed series. Unfortunately, for Pascal, that particular role is not one that someone else can perform for himwhile he just does voiceover work. However, it’s in the best interests of the studios to get their marquee pictures ready as fast as they can.
When is ‘Gladiator 2’ Going to Be Released?
Paul Mescalplays Lucius, a grown-up nephew ofJoaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the original film, who—as a child—decides he wants to become a gladiator instead of taking the Roman throne for himself.Denzel Washingtonalso stars in the film, as doesStranger Things’Joseph Quinn.Gladiator 2officially arrivesin theaters on Friday, November 22nd, 2024. While you wait forGladiator 2and the return ofThe Last of Us,you can stream the series on Max right now.
The Last Of Us
Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across a post-outbreak America.
Watch on Max
