Gladiator 2 will debut in cinemas in late 2024, and will star Irish Oscar nominees Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan. Filming will begin in Malta this June until September, with director Ridley Scott returning to direct the sequel to his 2000 Oscar best picture winning Gladiator.

The movie will also star the likes of Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington.

Filming will take place in Malta, with the hiring of extras already beginning. Part of the original Gladiator was filmed in Malta, with Ridley Scott seen recently in Mediterranean country scouting filming locations. Scott has previously directed movies such as The Martian, Blade Runner and Alien.

The Times of Malta reports that over 900 people have applied to play extras in the film. Casting coordinator Brenda Camilleri last week posted a call on Facebook looking for people to work on an “upcoming Roman epic feature film”.

Camilleri was looking for men, women and children of all ethnicities to play extras in a historically accurate movie depiction of ancient Rome, complete with people of all the nations conquered and enslaved by the Romans.

Camilleri said costumes worn by those acting in the movie will be “a feast for the eyes” that will “transform the extras completely.”

Historically accurate costumes for people from those times will include tunics and flowing garments, as well as military garments for Roman soldiers, according to Camilleri.

Unfortunately for any Irish actors or fans hoping to appear in the movie, you must have a Maltese ID number or a Maltese tax registration number to apply.

Though filming begins only next month, there has been little information as to details of the movie’s plot or any specific scenes. The movie is written by David Scarpa.

Paul Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nelson), and grandson of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). In the 2000 film, Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix, seizes power when Marcus Aurelius dies.

Roman General Maximus, played by Oscar winner for lead actor in the role Russell Crowe, is stripped of his ranks by Commodus due to his close friendship with Marcus Aurelius. Commodus also orders the murder of his family.

The plot of the film follows Maximus’ time as a slave, and his journey in search of vengeance to the colosseum in Rome, where his skills earn him great acclaim.

Gladiator 2 is expected to be released in cinemas in November 2024.