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.

After months of rumors that Barry Keoghan would star in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II," the director spoke about Keoghan's planned casting in the New York Times this week. Due to scheduling conflicts,

As “Gladiator II” barrels towards theaters, Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal are already set to re-team on a new project. Scott will direct “The Dog Stars” for 20th Century, with Mescal in advance negotiations to star.