Paul Mescal consolidates his star turn with a leading role in the sequel to "Gladiator"

Paul Mescal goes from one role to another. The actor, who previously appeared on "Normal People," is in talks to star in a sequel to Ridley Scott's "Gladiator," according to Deadline. This news comes more than two decades after the release of the original film, which was hugely successful and won five awards at the 2001 Oscars, including Best Picture.

The sequel is set to pick up years after the events of the first film, which ends with the honorable death of its hero Maximus (Russell Crowe). If officially cast, Mescal would play Lucius, Lucilla's son, who briefly appears as a young boy, played by Spencer Treat Clark, in the first film. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) is Maximus' former lover and sister to the sadistic Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

Scott will return to direct the sequel, while the screenplay has been written by David Scarpa. This will mark Scott and Scarpa's third collaboration after 'All the Money in the World' and the upcoming 'Napoleon'. From the original "Gladiator" team, costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max have also signed on.

"Gladiator" was a smash hit when it was released in 2000. The film earned over $460 million at the box office. In addition to his Best Picture Oscar, Crowe received the Best Actor award. Phoenix also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

A release date for the "Gladiator" sequel is likely still a long way off, but scroll down for all the existing details on the follow-up movie.