Ridley Scott has weighed in on Barry Keoghan ’s exit from the forthcoming sword-and-sandals sequel Gladiator II. Banshees of Inisherin star Keoghan had signed on to play the role of Emperor Caracalla, but dropped out and was replaced by The White Lotus ’s Fred Hechinger.

Ridley Scott revealed that Barry Keoghan had to leave 'Gladiator II' for 'Saltburn.' Keoghan tells IndieWire what happened.

Gladiator 2 star Paul Mescal is returning to work with Ridley Scott on The Dog Stars, or they are in “advance negotiations” at least, says Deadline. We assume Mescal will play Hig given his burgeoning cinema stature.