Gladiator 3 and Ridley Scott's upcoming Alien sequel receive encouraging news from the director himself.

Renowned director Ridley Scott has announced that a third installment of the "Gladiator" series, titled "Gladiator 3," is currently in development. Scott, who directed the original 2000 film and its sequel, "Gladiator II," which was released in 2024, has expressed his excitement about the upcoming project.

"Gladiator II" was a critical success, earning a spot on the National Board of Review Awards Top Ten Films of the Year. The film, which saw the return of Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, laid the groundwork for the continuation of the story.

Scott has revealed that "Gladiator 3" will most likely be filmed first in Morocco near the city of Ouarzazate, where a wooden amphitheater was built for the filming sessions of "Gladiator II." Paul Mescal, who played Lucius in "Gladiator II," is expected to reprise his role as the new leader of Rome in the third installment.

While "Gladiator 3" is the focus of much excitement, Scott has also hinted at the possibility of a third Alien prequel. Scott directed both Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, which are Alien prequels. However, the cliffhanger from Alien: Covenant remains unresolved for eight years, and the likelihood of another Alien prequel being released before "Gladiator 3" is uncertain.

Scott plans to film "Gladiator 3" after completing both "The Dog Stars" and his Bee Gees biopic, the latter of which has not yet begun filming. The release date for "Gladiator 3" has not been announced yet.

It is worth noting that Director Ridley Scott did not direct any of the newer Alien franchise installments but served as a producer for Alien: Romulus and an executive producer for Alien: Earth.

"Gladiator 3" is poised to be an exciting addition to Scott's impressive filmography, continuing the story set in "Gladiator II" and promising to deliver the epic battles and political intrigue that fans of the series have come to expect.