next week's Gladiator 2, with Mescal in the lead role of Lucius. The movie is already being tipped for huge success.

In an interview with Variety, Mescal discusses the chances of making a Gladiator 3, which would make this his first franchise. He reveals that he is very interested in the prospect of returning to the series, but its he has no idea when (or even if) it might happen. Check out his response below:

Oh yeah, massively down. I don’t think it will be [24] years — but I have no idea when it will be.

What This Means For Mescal's Career Prospects

The 28-Year-Old Could Be On The Cusp Of Stardom

Playing the lead in a movie like Gladiator 2 is no small prospect even for a seasoned star, never mind a rising actor like Mescal. However, it appears from his comments that the Aftersun star has taken to his leading man status with natural charisma. He also seems to have grasped the magnitude of the role he has entered into, and that Gladiator 2 has turned the iconic original movie into what could be an equally impressive and expansive franchise.

In of stakes and potential box office, it could wind up being the biggest film he will ever make.

A return for Gladiator 3 would signal Mescal's first official franchise role. If the third movie does happen (which will depend a lot on the box office success of Gladiator 2), there is a good chance it will be within the next few years too, further boosting his status. Regardless of whether Mescal does wind up returning for a third installment, Gladiator 2 looks set to be one of the biggest movies of 2024, and will undoubtedly be the biggest movie of the Irish actor's career to date. In of stakes and potential box office, it could wind up being the biggest film he will ever make.

Our Take On Gladiator 3's Prospects

A Third Movie Feels More Likely Than Ever

Gladiator 2 was so long in the making that it's hard to imagine a follow-up would happen so soon, but this is the most likely avenue. With streaming taking power away from theaters, the need to franchise popular stories is greater than ever, as is the need to capitalize on success. I think if Gladiator 2 scores a healthy opening weekend, and eventually out-grosses the original, Gladiator 3 will be all but a guarantee. Mescal's desire to return suggests his character will survive the events of Gladiator 2, and that the movie could even set up Gladiator 3.

Source: Variety