Ridley Scott's Gladiator sequel officially has a release date

Over two decades have now past since the release of the original Gladiator film and news of an upcoming sequel has finally been announced.

The gory flick followed the story of Maximus (Crowe) and Commodus (Phoenix) in a fight for power, respect and status.

With Commodus taking control as Emperor of Rome, he then demotes Maximus before killing his wife and son.

As Maximus eventually dies at the end of the film, the sequel will follow his child with Lucilla, Lucius, who has plans to carry on his legacy.

It has also been reported by Variety that Irish actor Paul Mescal is in talks to star in the film.

With a whole avalanche of accolades attesting to Scott's stellar directing, Gladiator grossed a whopping $460 million (approximately £342.8 million) at the box office.

Not only topping at the box office, the action-packed film also earned itself an impressive 11 Oscar nominations, winning five of them.

Plans for a sequel have long-been in the mix, with Scott first announcing his ideas for a follow-up film back in 2018.

Yet, it was only two years ago that the film was actually being written, as the director confirmed that the upcoming production will soon be 'ready to go'.

He said: "I’m already having (the next) Gladiator written now,

“So, when I’ve done Napoleon, Gladiator will be ready to go.”

And fans have expressed their opinion about the news online.

One Twitter user posted: "Am very happy about the Gladiator sequel that is currently in the works. I know Ridley Scott won't disappoint."

Slightly worried on how the upcoming sequel would compare to the original, another added: "First film is perfection, don't ruin it."

"Yes," a third joked, "I will be entertained."

Hopefully, like the first, this sequel will also entertain you...