News of the Week: Denzel Washington Joins Ridley Scott's Gladiator Sequel

We’re almost to the end of March, and what is often a slower month post-Oscars is as busy as ever. As Hollywood gears up for the start of the summer movie season, news keeps percolating. This week brings news of a huge Marvel shake-up, John Wick’s opening weekend, and more.

As always, Atom Insider brings you a few hand-picked stories we think you’ll like. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Longtime Producer Victoria Alonso Exits Marvel Studios

The industry got a stunning bit of news this week when it was announced that Victoria Alonso, longtime producer and President of Physical, Post Production, VFX and Animation at Marvel Studios is exiting the company. The exact reason for the exit isn’t known, but it was a shocker considering Alonso has been with the company since the first Iron Man movie and was one-third of the trifecta that helped build the MCU with Kevin Feige and Louis D’Eposito.

Though reasons for her departure haven’t been given, it’s worth noting that this was in the wake of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania‘s disappointing showing. In recent years, Marvel movies have come under fire for their VFX work, criticisms that intensified during the VFX industry crunch and implosion during the pandemic. With Alonso overseeing the VFX and post work of the MCU, it’s entirely possible that shareholders felt it was time for a change.

John Wick: Chapter 4 Targeting Franchise-Best Opening Weekend

Like Keanu Reeves, the John Wick franchise just keeps getting better with age. It’s poised to have its best opening yet, with projections estimating John Wick: Chapter 4 pulling in a franchise-high $115 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Estimates further break it down for about $65-70 million domestically and another $45 million overseas.

The release of the fourth John Wick movie will be even more poignant considering the untimely recent death of co-star Lance Reddick, who died last week at age 60 of natural causes. Reddick has played loyal Continential concierge Charon in all four movies. Reeves himself gave an honest and emotional statement on the red carpet of the premiere when asked about Reddick’s passing, saying “Lance was a beautiful person, [a] special artist, a man of grace and dignity, and such a passion for his craft. And to have the chance to work with him over 10 years and four films is something that is very special to me and it f**king sucks he’s not here.”

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Coming Back To Theaters For 20th Anniversary

Lord of the Rings fans are in for a treat: Warner Bros. is teaming up with Fathom Events to bring back The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King to theaters for a special 20th-anniversary event. The showings will be held on Thursday, April 13, and Wednesday, April 19. The special event will screen with an introduction from franchise star Elijah Wood, as well as a sneak peek at a new Lord of the Rings tabletop game.

Get tickets for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 20th anniversary showing.

Denzel Washington Joins The Cast Of The Gladiator Sequel

Sixteen years after their hit American Gangster, veteran actor Denzel Washington and veteran filmmaker Ridley Scott are teaming back up, with Washington joining the cast for the Gladiator sequel currently in the works. Rising star Paul Mescal, recently nominated for an Oscar for his work in Aftersun, will star opposite Washington.

Washington’s role is being kept under wraps, but he was reportedly thrilled with the script when he read it. Mescal is playing an adult version of Lucius, the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the first movie. Crowe’s Maximus left a strong impression on the young boy after saving him and his mother, Lucilla, when he slew Commodus in the gladiator ring.