Gladiator 2 may not be bringing back Russell Crowe as Maximus, but it could be paying off a decades-long Ridley Scott concept. Gladiator became an instant classic upon release in 2000, instantly revitalizing director Ridley Scott’s career and making Russell Crowe a movie star. The movie wrapped up perfectly too, with Crowe’s Maximus having achieved his revenge before succumbing to his wounds. Of course, when the film was a gigantic success, Maximus’ unambiguous death made sequel discussions tricky.

That’s why Gladiator 2 spent over two decades in development hell, with several concepts being pitched and rejected. Nick Cave’s Gladiator 2 screenplay became somewhat infamous, with the plot involving Maximus being resurrected by the Roman Gods to slay Jesus Christ. After a period where it appeared a sequel would never happen, Scott has finally stepped back behind the camera for the upcoming Gladiator 2. Some familiar faces will return for the film, though Maximus remains deceased. Instead, it will be fronted by Paul Mescal as the adult Lucius, who was played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original.