Barry Keoghan on His Role That Might’ve Been in ‘Gladiator II’: Ridley Scott Is ‘Just Legendary’

After months of rumors that Barry Keoghan would star in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” the director spoke about Keoghan’s planned casting in the New York Times this week. Due to scheduling conflicts, Keoghan departed the swords-and-sandals sequel to film Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” in summer 2022.

“I love Ridley Scott,” Keoghan told IndieWire during a recent interview for the release of his latest film “Bird.” “I think he is just legendary. And again, Ridley is another one that you just jump on that opportunity. It didn’t work for scheduling reasons. But feck, man, you know, it’s like this guy is comparing me to these actors that I admire and, from a filmmaker like him, it was really nice to read that. It really was. I’m a massive fan of … Paul [Mescal]. Paul’s a friend, and I’m really excited. I love ‘Gladiator.’ So I’m really excited to see where it goes. I want to get to see that on the big screen.”

“Barry is one of the good ones, the same level as Joaquin Phoenix and Paul Mescal,” Scott told the Times. “Barry is so complex and actually has it under control. I know he’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth it. Like deciding on Joaquin, it’s worth it.”

Keoghan previously told IndieWire, “I am a massive fan of ‘Gladiator’ and a massive fan of that cast. It’s a shame you can’t do both. But that happens in this game. You can’t do both.”

“Gladiator II,” which Paramount opens November 22, stars Mescal as Lucius, son of Russell Crowe’s character Maximus in the original 2000 film. Years after witnessing Maximus’ death, Lucius is captured from an African colony and forced to enter the Roman Colosseum, battling it out against the likes of Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington as Rome is overtaken by tyrannical emperors.

The Paramount sequel is written by Scott’s “Napoleon” screenwriter David Scarpa. Original “Gladiator” collaborators, costume designer Janty Yates and production designer Arthur Max, are return along with director-producer Scott. Scott Free President Michael Pruss, plus Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment, are also producing.

Scott also teased recently that he has an idea for a third installment to the franchise, inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather: Part II.”

“Gladiator 2” premieres November 22 in theaters. Check out the trailer here.