In the year 2000, the world saw the release of English director Ridley Scott’s (known for films such as Alien, Blade Runner, and many more) Gladiator starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. The movie was both a commercial success as well as a critical one, garnering 11 Academy Award nominations and winning 5 of them including Best Picture and Best Actor. The film follows Crowe’s character Maximus and his battle against Commodus, son of the current Roman emperor, as he murdered his father in order to rule. The film ends with the death of both Commodus and Maximus after a duel in the colosseum.

With its excellent performance, one might think a sequel was in order regardless of the death of the main character. It took 18 years but as of yesterday, it was announced that Scott has begun progress on Gladiator 2. The film will revolve around the ongoing story of Lucius, the nephew of Commodus and whose life was saved in the original movie by Maximus.

The film will be also be directed by Scott and written by Peter Craig, who is known for his work on the Hunger Games Films. Paramount is said to be developing the project while Ridley Scott’s and brother Tony Scott’s production company Scott Free will be producing.