Ridley Scott working on 'Gladiator' sequel

Los Angeles: Veteran director Ridley Scott is planning a sequel to his multiple Oscar-winning film "Gladiator". The original, released in 2000, featured actors Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Conie Nielsen in the lead.

According to Deadline, the director is set to take on the project for Paramount with a script to be written by Peter Craig.

Craig is best known for penning the scripts of Ben Affleck's "The Town" and "Hunger Games: Mockingjay". He is currently working on Tom Cruise-starrer "Top Gun: Maverick".

The "Gladiator" sequel is in early stages of development, with Paramount currently in negotiations to land the project. 

The story will reportedly focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Nielsen) and the nephew of Commodus (Phoenix).

"Gladiator" had won five Oscars at the 2001 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.

Scott, 80, most recently helmed "All the Money in the World", starring Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg, and is currently working on his first TV series, "Raised by Wolves".