Ridley Scott is currently focused on Napoleon, but that hasn’t stopped him from dropping some new tidbits on Gladiator 2, the widely-anticipated sequel to 2000’s meme-worthy historical epic.
Speaking with the New Yorker, Scott said he’s ready to get back to filming as soon as possible, going as far as to say, “I could shoot on Monday.”
While he’s been waiting, Scott has apparently been polishing the 90 minutes of footage that’s currently in the can, which apparently includes an attack by a pack of baboons. Will star Paul Mescal have to fight off a killer primate attack? We’ll just have to see.
According to Scott, he was inspired to put the scene in the movie after being haunted by a video of baboons attacking tourists in Johannesburg. Baboons are apparently quite the menace in South Africa, where they are described as “criminals on four legs.” This video should give you an idea of what Scott is talking about.
“Baboons are carnivores. Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg? No! A baboon can,” Scott said.
Baboons are carnivores. Can you hang from that roof for two hours by your left leg? No! A baboon can.
Not much else is known about Gladiator 2 at the moment, save that it will feature a cast staring Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal among others. Filming began in Morocco in June 2023 before being shut down by the ongoing actor’s strike.
Gladiator 2 is expected to continue the story of Mescal’s character Lucius, who was previously portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the original film. Russell Crowe, who starred in the original film, is not in Gladiator 2, so he’s safe from the baboons for now. Gladiator 2 is expected to be out November 22, 2024.
As for Napoleon, Scott’s other historical epic will be out November 22, 2023. Check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film right here.
Image credit: Photo by Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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