Ridley Scott is ready for more "Gladiator."

The director of the multi-Academy Award-winning film has started developing a sequel, Deadline reports. He is looking to helm "Gladiator 2," with Peter Craig ("12 Strong") writing the script.

The original film saw protagonist Maximus (Russell Crowe) meet a tragic end, as Deadline points out, so there will be a new lead character. The sequel will follow Lucius (played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original), who was the young boy Maximus saved during his quest for vengeance. Lucius was the son of the late co-emperor Lucius Verus and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).

Scott has been talking about a "Gladiator" sequel for years now, and in fact, he previously said it might be possible to involve Crowe. "I know how to bring him back. ... There is a way," he told EW in March 2017.  So far, though, it doesn't look like Crowe will return.

Paramount is reportedly the studio behind the project, with Universal potentially co-financing. The original film's distributor, DreamWorks, is not involved. Meanwhile, Scott is producing through his production company, Scott Free, alongside Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon and Parkes + MacDonald's Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald.

The film does not yet have a release date.

[via: Deadline]