The 2000 movie Gladiator is getting a sequel, two decades later, and now it may have found its lead. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Mescal (Normal People, Aftersun) is in discussions for the lead role of Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla from the original movie.

The Oscar-winning Gladiator film focused on Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, who is forced into becoming a gladiator and spars with Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). The original Gladiator was directed by Ridley Scott, who is returning for the sequel.

According to Deadline, "every male actor in town that fit the profile began chasing the coveted part" that Mescal is reportedly about to close. No other names were mentioned in the report, though.