Barry Keoghan and Paul Mescal star in Gladiator sequel

According to Giant Freakin Robot, the Banshees of Inisherin actor Barry Keoghan has joined the Gladiator 2 cast. He will play Emperor Geta, also known as Publius Septimius Geta, in the highly anticipated and long-awaited sequel.

The actor who would play Keoghan's counterpart in Gladiator 2 was revealed in a January Deadline report. The sequel's protagonist is an older version of Lucius, who was played by Spencer Trat Clark in the first film, and will be played by Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal.

In an interview with Variety at the Independent Spirit Awards, Mescal said that he is "working hard" and has started daily training to get in shape for his work in the upcoming Gladiator sequel.

In the first Gladiator film from 2000, Lucius is the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and grandson to Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), making him the next in line to Rome‘s throne. To make sure this doesn't happen, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) uses his power and well-being to keep his sister Lucialla in line.

It remains to be seen how Lucius (Paul Mescal) will come into conflict with Barry Keoghan's Geta in Gladiator 2 and what other dangers he will face.

Since the sequel is targeted for release on 22nd November 2024, fans will have to wait for further information and the first teasers. With the film's release date approaching, it's unusual that there haven't been any additional cast announcements. It is also unknown whether or not actors from the original film will return.

Paul Mescal recently received his first Academy Awards nomination for his performance in Aftersun. While he has previously performed in plays in Dublin, he has also appeared in films such as Normal People, The Lost Daughter, and God's Creatures.

Barry Keoghan starred as local boy Dominic Kearney in the successful and nine-time Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin. He further received critical acclaim for his performance as the Joker in 2022's The Batman.