A Sequel Will Rise

Will the Gladiator enter the ring once more? The current word around Hollywood is that DreamWorks is definitely considering a follow-up to Ridley Scott's five-time Oscar winner. Rumours have abounded for some time that Maximus may return despite his untimely demise, in a planned prequel to the film. However, Producer Douglas Wick has been evasive when questioned about the project, admitting that the idea of a prequel was there but refusing to comment on whether the wheels are yet in motion. However, Filmforce has discovered that Gladiator screenwriter David Franzoni is in negotiations to pen a prequel, or possibly even a sequel to the first film. Since Maximus' resurrection to battle on after death is unlikely to provide a credible plotline, the option of a sequel may simply be Dreamworks covering its bases should newly crowned superstar Russel Crowe refuse to step back into the sandals. But, considering the immense box office rewards gained by the original (around $452 Million worldwide at the last count) and Crowe's subsequent Oscar for Best Actor, you can bet that the studio will be offering an arm and a leg to drag the antipodean actor into the arena once more.