We were all delighted when we heard that Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan would be starring in a movie together.
The two Irish stars had been cast in the upcoming Gladiator movie, with Paul starring as our hero and Barry as our villain.
However, it has now been reported that Barry is no longer attached to the film.
And we are heartbroken.
According to Deadline, Barry Keoghan was in negotiations to play the character of Emperor Geta, however, scheduling conflicts forced him to pull out of the movie completely.
The publication went on to say that The White Lotus star Fred Hechinger is currently in talks to take on the role.
The film has a star-studded cast including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Connie Nielsen. Connie will reprise her role from the first film and play Paul Mescal’s character’s mother.
It is now being reported that Derek Jacobi will also come back for the sequel to once again play Gracchus. Fans of the original 2000 film will be delighted.
May Calamawy, who starred in Marvel’s Moon Knight will also join the film, as well as funnyman Matt Lucas.
Deadline is also reporting that Israeli actor Lior Raz and 300 actor Peter Mensah are joining the cast.
Filming is due to begin this summer with the film hitting cinemas sometime next year.
