Ridley Scott is planning a sequel to his Oscar-winning epic Gladiator, which hit theatres 18 years ago.

Scott has stated that the sequel will be directed with a script from Peter Craig, the co-writer the final two Hunger Games films.

Russell Crowe will not be back to star as Maximus Decimus Meridius, due to the original film’s ending. Instead, it is reported the sequel will focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who was played by Connie Nielsen.

There is no word yet on a release date or any casting news. Lucius was originally played by Spencer Treat Clark, who has since appeared on Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD as Alexander Braun/Werner von Strucker.

The original film grossed over $460 million worldwide and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Scott was nominated for Best Director but did not win.

• Ceremonial opening of Parliament Session today (8).
• Turkiye-Syria Quake: Death toll passes 7,900
• Professionals’ Trade Unions go on strike
• Man sentenced to death for stabbing another 16 times, and killing him
• Doctors to launch 24-hour token strike on Wednesday (8)