When The Last Duel hit theaters in 2021, it came with heavy pedigree: directed by Ridley Scott, written by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener, and based on the 2004 book by medieval historian Eric Jager.
The film told the true story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France, dramatizing the brutal and politically charged events surrounding Marguerite de Carrouges’ accusation of rape against Jacques Le Gris. With its Rashomon-style structure and thoughtful treatment of gender, honor, and justice, the film received strong critical praise.
Yet it underperformed at the box office, leading many to wonder: will there be a sequel or prequel to The Last Duel? As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a continuation. But that doesn’t mean the story has no future.
The Original Story: A Closed Circle
One of the main reasons a direct sequel is unlikely lies in the film’s structure. The Last Duel is a self-contained narrative. It has a beginning, middle, and definitive end—anchored by the titular duel and its cultural aftermath. The movie draws from historical record, culminating in the resolution of Marguerite’s trial by combat, with the implication that her husband’s victory vindicates her claim, at least in the eyes of the law.
There’s no dangling thread, no surviving antagonist, no unresolved mystery to carry forward. From a narrative standpoint, the film completes its arc. Unlike franchises that build on expanding universes or recurring protagonists, The Last Duel is rooted in a singular, historically grounded moment. That makes a conventional sequel difficult—unless it radically shifts focus.
Prequel Possibilities: The World Around the Duel
While a direct sequel may not make sense, a prequel offers more potential. Medieval France was rich with court intrigue, social upheaval, and escalating tension between nobles and the crown. The duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris wasn’t an isolated incident—it emerged from a larger feudal culture where personal honor, property rights, and religious authority constantly intersected.
A prequel could explore:
- The Early Rivalry: How did the friendship between Carrouges and Le Gris turn sour? What were the political dynamics in Count Pierre d’Alençon’s court that shaped their rise and fall?
- Marguerite’s Backstory: Who was she before the marriage? Her lineage, her intellectual environment, and her place in Norman society are only briefly touched on in the film. There’s fertile ground for a story that examines the expectations placed on women of noble birth and the social structures that constrained them.
- Count Pierre’s Power Base: As a feudal lord and cousin to King Charles VI, Pierre d’Alençon played a central role in enabling Le Gris. His court was infamous for its indulgence and favoritism. Exploring his inner circle could reveal the broader culture of impunity that made Marguerite’s accusation so dangerous.
These angles wouldn’t require the original leads to return, though their characters could appear in younger versions. Such a prequel would deepen the historical context and allow for a new narrative while keeping thematic ties to the original.
Ridley Scott’s Take on Historical Continuity
Ridley Scott is no stranger to expanding historical stories. Gladiator (2000) wasn’t just a one-off epic—it’s getting a sequel more than two decades later. Scott has also built sprawling period pieces with Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood, each attempting to balance historical accuracy with dramatic flair.
Scott has not publicly ruled out returning to The Last Duel’s world, but he has expressed disappointment with its lackluster box office performance. In interviews, he suggested the film’s commercial failure was due in part to younger audiences being conditioned to expect streaming content over theatrical experiences. Given that, it’s unclear whether studios would greenlight a return to this story without a strong streaming demand or critical momentum.
Critical Reception vs. Commercial Reality
The Last Duel received positive reviews from critics, particularly for Jodie Comer’s performance as Marguerite and the film’s nuanced handling of subjective perspective. However, it struggled commercially, grossing only around $30 million worldwide against a reported $100 million budget.
This gap between artistic success and financial viability complicates sequel discussions. Hollywood is hesitant to invest in intellectual properties that lack broad audience appeal—especially when the original didn’t break even.
But the post-theatrical life of The Last Duel has shown signs of cultural staying power. Streaming and digital rentals brought the film to a wider audience, many of whom praised its serious tone and moral complexity. If its reputation continues to grow, especially in academic and cinephile circles, that could spark renewed interest in expanding its world—especially on a smaller scale.
Streaming and Anthology Formats: A Path Forward?
In today’s media landscape, not every sequel needs to be a feature film. Prestige television and streaming platforms have made it easier to tell expansive, character-driven stories without blockbuster pressure. An anthology series inspired by The Last Duel could thrive on platforms like HBO, Netflix, or Apple TV+.
Each season or episode could focus on a different historical case involving justice, gender, and power in medieval or early modern Europe. Think of it as True Detective meets A Man for All Seasons. The Last Duel could serve as the thematic anchor, with future entries exploring other trials, betrayals, or cultural shifts through similarly subjective lenses.
This approach would not only keep the historical richness alive but also allow new voices—writers, directors, and historians—to contribute. It could evolve into an anthology of injustices, vindications, and societal reckonings from across European history.
No Plans Yet, But Open Possibilities
As of now, The Last Duel has no announced sequel or prequel. Its closed narrative, modest box office, and the lack of IP-driven momentum make a traditional follow-up unlikely. However, the film’s historical depth and thematic resonance leave the door open for creative expansion—especially in the form of a prequel, a streaming adaptation, or an anthology series.
Ridley Scott may have moved on to other projects, but the questions raised by The Last Duel—about memory, justice, and the silencing of women—remain painfully relevant. Whether in the same cinematic universe or inspired by its method, the spirit of The Last Duel could still ride again. Just not in the way Hollywood typically defines a “sequel.”