Paul Mescal, the Irish actor known for his riveting performances, has recently revealed how he landed the coveted lead role in Gladiator II. The big news coming from Mescal is how it all came together after just a 30-minute Zoom call with none other than director Ridley Scott.
Scheduled for release on November 22, 2024, Gladiator II serves as the sequel to Scott's iconic 2000 film. During his appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Mescal shared, "Ridley does not waste time. I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we Zoomed for half an hour, spoke for 10 minutes about the part, and then 20 minutes about Gaelic football, his dog, and his wife." It’s clear from his remarks just how efficient and casual Scott's casting process was, which surprised Mescal. "I thought there would be more, but he called me back weeks later to offer me the part,” he recounted.
Mescal describes Ridley Scott as someone who relies heavily on his instincts, both on set and off. He expressed gratitude for this, saying, "I think he just goes by instinct, on set and off, and I’m very glad that's the way it went." The casting process seems almost effortless, and it’s not surprising when you think about how much weight Scott's decisions carry.
Fans may recognize Mescal from earlier roles, including his significant breakout as Connell Waldron in the BBC adaptation of Normal People, which aired during the height of the pandemic. Since then, he has appeared in various critically acclaimed films, including All of Us Strangers and Aftersun, the latter earning him an Oscar nomination.
His role as Lucius Verus, the grandson of Emperor Marcus Aurelius—who was originally portrayed by Richard Harris—includes dramatic elements befitting the title of Gladiator II. Following the invasion by Roman soldiers, Lucius finds himself enslaved and must once again fight for his freedom and the glory of Rome. Mescal's character must navigate the brutal world of gladiatorial combat, pushing the boundaries of his physical and emotional endurance.
Speaking of getting ready for the role, Mescal joked about his training routine, stating, "I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things. I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark. He went to town, and I saw him every day. It was fun.” That irrefutable conviction about rigorous training and transformation resonates with viewers, adding more layers to his character portrayal.
The original Gladiator film was hugely successful, grossing over $465 million worldwide and bagging five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Given this background, there's palpable excitement surrounding the sequel, and initial reviews suggest it may live up to high expectations.
During the Graham Norton Show episode, fellow guest and seasoned actor Denzel Washington gushed over Mescal's talent after working alongside him. Washington shared, "Let me say this, this kid delivers. I'm a pretty good actor, but trust me; I saw it when Russell did it, he delivered. This kid delivers." This kind of endorsement from such renowned actors underlines the collaborative spirit flowing between cast members on set.
Mescal, who seems both humble and stealthily assured about his rising fame, chose not to reach out to Russell Crowe for advice before stepping onto the iconic stage where Crowe made history. He commented, "I wouldn’t know what to say. I think it’s also a mistake when people go, ‘This was Russell’s thing.’ Russell had proven himself time and time again. And he proved himself time and time again after Gladiator.” His approach speaks volumes about his respect for the craft and his own path.
Meanwhile, the excitement for Gladiator II continues to build as it prepares for premiere screenings. The film recently held its first screening in Los Angeles for the Academy and SAG voters, where reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Critics seem eager to see how Scott continues the story of ancient Rome and its gladiators.
Mescal's rising star is even more interesting amid the backdrop of this grand historical epic, finding ways to resonate with audiences both past and present, not only through his acting but also through the authenticity he brings to his characters.
Several reviews of Gladiator II have already started pouring in, with critics praising the film as the perfect continuation of the original. The LA Times reviewed, “Apes! Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! Gladiator II is some absolute sicko shit and Denzel Washington is relishing every single minute.” Meanwhile, Caitlin Tyrell noted the film features, "A fantastic cast, but Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, & Paul Mescal are transcendent! Countless intense blood-soaked fight sequences! @GladiatorMovie demands to be seen on the big screen!”
Having captured the audience’s attention both on and off-screen, Mescal's blend of talent and charm seems set to leave its mark on Hollywood. With Gladiator II just around the corner, anticipation is mounting as fans and film aficionados prepare to return to the epic world created over two decades ago.
Fans can catch Paul Mescal’s full interview on The Graham Norton Show, which airs on BBC One on Fridays at 22:40, where he discusses both his role and his experiences leading up to the film, as well as his views on fame and the industry's dynamics.
