Paul Mescal, star of the much-anticipated Gladiator II, took to the stage of Saturday Night Live this past Saturday, reinventing his role as Lucius Verus Aurelius with comedic flair, quickly making his mark as host with the zany skit titled "Gladiator II: The Musical". The actor dazzled audiences as he fused ancient Rome with Broadway music, showcasing his singing chops through the parody, which humorously reimagined the historical epic.
The sketch kicked off with Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang leading the cast through the musical number "There’s No Place Like Rome." They set the tone for what was to come, delivering laughs with clever and outrageous lyrics. Thompson’s line poking fun at the film drew uproarious laughter: “every senator has a boy to molest,” deftly introducing the sketch's ludicrous premise.
The parody trailer playfully mocked the original film, claiming it had received “an extra 50 minutes of songs.” Mescal, embracing the absurdity of the moment, became the show’s rapping gladiator, who took the stage swinging swords and throwing punches line-sewn with lyrics about being “a killing machine.” His dedication to humor was palpable as he spun around, belting out catchy phrases before then launching himself skyward on a broomstick—an homage to the musical Wicked’s famed "Defying Gravity". The audience couldn't help but laugh as he donned the witch's hat, blending the worlds of gladiatorial struggle and musical theater.
Paul Mescal’s performance quickly earned him praises from fellow cast members and fans alike on social media. Many expressed their excitement for broader theatrical roles, noting the apparent ease with which he transitioned from serious dramas to campy musical numbers. “Cast Paul Mescal in a musical now,” one fan tweeted, with another quipping, “Paul Mescal singing in Gladiator II: The Musical is already more legendary than the sequel ever could be.”
Mescal's portrayal as Lucius follows his character’s lineage, being the illegitimate son of the original film’s hero Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe. The Gladiator II film itself has been met with mixed reviews but has proven to be box office gold, already raking in over $300 million globally. Amidst its success, Mescal seems unfazed by criticisms, taking them all with grace and levity. He appears determined to share the spotlight with unexpected bravado, showcasing his hidden talents on the late-night sketch show.
The humorous skit was timely, arriving shortly after the blockbuster successes of family-friendly musicals like Moana 2 and Wicked. "So after some rushed reshoots, Gladiator II is now...a MUSICAL!" the voiceover quoted humorously, setting up the premise of the sketch. It seems the team at Saturday Night Live were eager to embrace the rising trend of integrating music and humor with epic narratives, providing just the right antidote to film critics’ lukewarm receptions.
Mescal’s versatility as an actor and singer, matched with his intrepid spirit to embrace parody, speaks volumes about his commitment to pushing boundaries. His upcoming projects include the film adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along, which will also highlight his vocal talents over the next two decades as he embarks on this lengthy filming process under the direction of Richard Linklater. His versatility continues to shine through as he prepares for his U.S. stage debut later on too, leading A Streetcar Named Desire at the Brooklyn Academy of Music beginning February 28, 2025.
The offbeat nature of "Gladiator II: The Musical" became the talk of the internet overnight as viewers gushed over Mescal’s ability to merge the seriousness of action with the lightheartedness of musical theater. It reflected not just on individual talent but also on the innovative direction of entertainment where boundaries are blurred, and storytelling expands to encompass all manner of artistic expression.
Mescal’s entertaining debut on SNL has sparked discussions on social media—some viewers even noted the modern trend of pairing epic films with musical elements, reflecting on the unsuccessful attempts to create buzz around “Glicked” during the box office runs of Gladiator II and Wicked. ✨ Some industry analysts commented on how the current market for films fluctuates, adding layers of complexity to how narratives are presented.
. An analyst from Omdia remarked, “It isn't always guaranteed magic; sometimes it appears forced.” Gladiator II might not have captivated the critics as its predecessor did years ago, but it seems Mescal’s charm and flair have won over audiences, regardless of box office metrics.
Looking forward, many excited fans await the next steps of Paul Mescal both on and off screens. His humorous take on his new role solidified both his comedic cred and opened avenues for more dynamic performances as he navigates through the multifaceted world of contemporary entertainment.
Adding to the anticipation is the prospect of seeing him take on various roles, from pirate strippers to heart-wrenching dramatic leads, all rooted within his impressive track record. His new endeavors stand to redefine conventional norms, inviting audiences to celebrate every facet of storytelling through various genres. Mescal’s spirited rendition on SNL is just the spark of what promises to be nothing less than thrilling to witness as his career evolves on stage and screen alike.