A script for a proposed sequel of Ridley Scott's Gladiator written by Nick Cave has been uncovered by fans of the veteran rocker, reports The Guardian.

Following the success of the original in 2000, Scott and lead actor Russell Crowe invited Cave to write a script for a sequel.

In the screenplay - ultimately rejected by the studios - Crowe's character Maximus meddles with Roman gods in the afterlife, is reincarnated, defends early Christians, reunites with his son, and ultimately lives forever - leading tanks in the second world war and even mucking around in the modern-day Pentagon.

Speaking about the script to UGO.com, Scott said: "Russell Crowe didn't want to let it go, obviously, because it worked very well. I mean, when I say 'worked very well', I don't refer to success. I mean, as a piece it works very well.

"Storytelling, he (Cave) works brilliantly. I think he enjoyed doing it, and I think it was one of those things that he thought 'Well, maybe there's a sequel where we can adjust the fantasy and bring him back from the dead'."

;D

Good material for The Onions