There is exciting news taking place within the world of Gladiator. It is expected for both Denzel Washington and Barry Keoghan to join the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, which is being directed by the first film’s director, Ridley Scott.

Washington and Scott have previously worked alongside one another on the crime drama, American Gangsters, and now it seems that the two will once again come together. According to Deadline: “Washington is in final negotiations to co-star in Scott’s sequel to his Oscar Best Picture winner Gladiator for Paramount.”

It is reported that after securing Paul Mescal as the star of the film, Scott and Paramount Pictures were in search of a well-known name to be Mescal’s co-lead. This search lead them to Washington, who is known for his “great taste in projects.” After a pitch meeting, Washington was said to have been excited to be a part of the project. It is currently not known what Washington’s role will be in the film.

Barry Keoghan is also said to be in negotiations for the sequel; however, unlike Washington, his role is known and anticipated to be that of Emperor Geta. Keoghan was just recently nominated at the Academy Awards for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin.

With these two actors on board, the excitement of fans of the Gladiator franchise can continue to grow as they await more news about the production.