Barry Keoghan to join Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR sequel

Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk, The Banshees of Inisherin) is in talks to join Ridley Scott’S Gladiator Continuation. He will join the previous cast Paul Mescal destined to assume the role of Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and grandson of Commodus (Joaquin Fenice) from the original film.

Keoghan will play Emperor Geta if he and the studio can seal the deal. Publius Septimius Geta was a Roman emperor who ruled jointly with his brother Caracalla from 209 to 211 AD. He was born in 189 AD to Emperor Septimius Severus and his wife Julia Domna. Geta is described as intelligent and cultured, but also as a cruel and unreliable individual.

During his short reign, Geta concentrated on consolidating his power and strengthening his position within the empire. He has made some efforts to improve people’s lives by reducing taxes and increasing public entertainment. However, he also engaged in brutal purges of potential rivals and enemies, which earned him the animosity of many within the Roman elite.

In 211 AD, Geta was assassinated by his brother Caracalla, during a meeting arranged to reconcile their differences. Caracalla subsequently ordered the assassination of all who he deemed to be Geta’s supporters, leading to a bloody and violent period in Roman history known as the “Year of the Five Emperors”. Despite his short and controversial reign, Geta is remembered as one of the Roman emperors who contributed to the instability and decline of the Roman Empire.

I’m not sure how accurate the movie will be regarding this character, but it looks like a great role for Keoghan to play! The costume designers also return from the original film Janty Yates and set designer Arthur Maximus.

Source: Deadline