Russell Crowe cries in front of the crowd in "Gladiator".(Photo: JAAP BUITENDIJK, DREAMWORKS LLC)

Ridley Scott returns to the "Gladiator" arena.

The director / producer is preparing a sequel to his Oscar-winning film with Russell Crowe for Paramount Pictures, sources familiar with the project, but not allowed to speak about it publicly, confirm to USA TODAY.

The 2000 box-office film with $ 460 million worldwide, was awarded 11 Oscar nominations and five wins, including best film and best actor for Russell Crowe.

The drama also saw Maximus de Crowe, a former Roman general forced into slavery, under classic lines such as "Are not you entertained?" to the bloodthirsty crowds of Romans after a particularly effective massacre.

Deadline Hollywood, which announced the news of the sequel, announced that Peter Craig ("The Hunger Games", "Top Gun: Maverick") had been commissioned to write the new script.

The following will follow the continuing story of Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of the evil Commodus Thief Throne (Joaquin Phoenix), according to Deadline.

There is no news on production or publication deadlines, and Deadline notes that Scott already has several projects underway.

As to whether Crowe, 54, or Phoenix, 44, would come back later, that would require Hollywood magic on many levels. Both died in the epic final battle of the original in the ring.

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