Filming for the much-anticipated Gladiator sequel has been reportedly pushed back because its rumoured star Paul Mescal is reprising his acclaimed theatre role.
Paul, 26, who has just been nominated for an Oscar for his role in Aftersun, will return as Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire, which is transferring to London's West End.
The much praised production originally played at The Almeida Theatre in the capital, but will move to Pheonix Theatre for six weeks from March 20, with Patsy Ferran also returning as Blanche DuBois in Rebecca Frecknall's revival.
Now, it has been reported that filming has been delayed for around two weeks, for the follow-up to the 2000 historical epic Gladiator.
The film starred Russel Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who was betrayed by a power-hungry new Emperor who killed his wife and child.
Deadline reports that Ridley Scott, who directed the original, and Paramount have agreed to move the start date. A studio source told Insider that no moves have yet been made yet.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Paul will play the lead in the sequel, Lucius Versus, the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucille and nephew of the deranged Commodus, played by Joaquin Pheonix in the noughties smash hit.
Rumours of a sequel have been swirling for decades, with Scott confirming a script had already been completed in 2021 after it was given the greenlight in 2018.
The leading role turned Russell Crowe into a superstar, but sadly his character can't return for a sequel because he died while avenging his family by defeating the Emperor.
Speaking to Collider, Scott said: "Oh, it's been written. It’s already been written.
"We have a good footprint, a good, logical place to go. You can't just do another Gladiator-type movie. You've got to follow... there are enough components from the first one to pick up the ball and continue it."
Crowe has also confirmed it won't be a direct sequel, saying: "Yeah we’ve had dinner and talked about it and all that stuff.
"So I know roughly how he’s shaping the story.’
He told the Fitzy and Wippa podcast: "But yeah, if you remember, there was a young kid who wanted to beat the Gladiator, which leads to the 'My name is' speech.
"So that young kid has grown up, and he’s now the Emperor. I don’t know what else happens at that point, so that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake. And it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like the day after, you know, 30 years later or something."
Paul's career is red hot at the moment, following his Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of young dad Calum Paterson in film Aftersun, written and directed by Charlotte Wells.
Speaking about A Streetcar's move to the West End, Paul said it is his "favourite play" and "it’s wonderful to be able to share it with a wider audience".
The Mirror has contacted Paramount for comment.
