By Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel has had a slightly turbulent production with set accidents, a halt midway through due to the strikes, and other incidents.
Now a new report at THR indicates that the project, which was initially budgeted at $165 million, has ballooned to nearly double that – closer to $310 million.
The outlet says studio insiders insist the net cost of the film’s shoot will be under $250 million. Either way, the costs related to the work stoppage due to the strikes were said to total around $10 million on their own as the production was shut down for five months.
One source tells the trade: “It’s a runaway. It’s not being managed.” Despite all this, studio executives are reportedly pleased with the footage they saw of the work and post-production on the movie is proceeding smoothly.
The project boasts Paul Mescal in the lead and co-stars the likes of Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Matt Lucas and Derek Jacobi.
Mescal plays a grown-up version of the child Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), from the first film. Lucius has been “out in the wilderness” for the past fifteen years and out of touch with his mother who doesn’t know where he is.
The film will take place around early 3rd century AD when brothers Caracalla (Quinn) and Geta (Hechinger) jointly ruled as Emperors. Caracalla was a bloodthirsty tyrant who ordered his younger brother’s murder shortly just months after their father died.
Washington is playing a former gladiator who won his freedom and is now rich – but still holds a grudge. “Gladiator 2” is still on track for release on November 22nd.
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