Wright said the reincarnation of "Gladiators" will include both a new modernized set and a fresh lineup of muscular gladiators to challenge contestants, The Times of London said Saturday.

"The last set of 'Gladiators' was wonderful," Wright said, "but we're in the 21st century now, we've moved on and I think the expectation levels for both 'Gladiators' and 'Contenders' are much higher."

Wright told The Times that the series, which attracted 14 million viewers during its initial eight-year run in Britain, should met with success due to its simple yet engaging premise.

"The thing about 'Gladiators' is that it is what it is," he said. "It's 'Gladiators,' so you can't veer off the template because that's why people love it. There's a natural drama to it, a kind of natural emotion that comes out - and you get a good message out of it as well."