According to Deadline, the cast of “Gladiator 2” is starting to round out. Barry Keoghan is no longer attached to the project due to scheduling conflicts. He will be replaced by Fred Hechinger (“The White Lotus“) as Emperor Geta. May Calamawy (“Moon Knight“) has also joined the star-studded ensemble as a significant role in the film. Little is known about her character at the moment. Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas have also joined the cast.
The sequel to the Best Picture-winning film will have Ridley Scott return to direct, with David Scarpa, who wrote the screenplay. The film stars Paul Mescal in the lead role, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nelson is set to return.
It’s a shame to see Keoghan bow out of what is shaping up to be a massive project. Mescal going toe to toe against Keoghan would’ve been an acting sparring match for the ages. Hechinger has a very different screen presence from Keoghan, but he could easily pull off the slimy vileness that would make a compelling antagonist. Calamawy also is an excellent addition to the cast as she has been wonderful in projects like “Ramy.” It is very exciting to see what Calamawy will bring to a project of this scale.
Are you disappointed Barry Keoghan is no longer attached to “Gladiator 2?” Who is your favorite addition to the cast so far? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our Twitter account.
