Aftersun star Paul Mescal has been talking Gladiator 2, revealing details of the role he will play in the swords-and-sandals sequel, as well as stating that he has no interest in discussing his workouts and physical preparation for the role. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Mescal, who was confirmed as the lead of Gladiator 2 last month after being handpicked by director Ridley Scott, revealed details of his meetings with the filmmaker before stating how “intimidating” it is to join the long-awaited follow-up.
“[Scott and I] discussed the parameters of the story. Then, after the fact, I was given a script...And I’m so proud I get to make it. It’s an intimidating feat. It’s something I’m nervous about but something I feel like I can do.”
After years of speculation over how the Gladiator saga would continue, it has now been revealed that Mescal will play Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla, who was played in the Oscar-winning first outing by Connie Nielsen, and nephew of Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Now a grown man, Gladiator 2 will take place decades after the first movie and will reportedly follow Lucius as he searches for the truth about his biological father, discovering that he is in fact the secret son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius.
The leading role in Gladiator 2 is likely to be the most physical in Mescal’s career so far, but don’t expect to hear the actor discuss his training regime or diet. He could not be less interested in that side of things.
"With films like this and superhero films, there is sometimes a focus on that, which I don’t find that interesting. Of course, there’s a physical robustness required for the character, but past that, I’m not interested. This guy’s got to fight and got to be a beast. And whatever that looks and feels like is right for me, is what it’s going to be. Sometimes I see films and I’m like, 'That person doesn’t look real.'"
Paul Mescal is Now an Academy Award Nominee
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Mescal is only a few years into his big and small screen career, but the young, Irish actor has already made a huge impression. Proving his monumental talent in the likes of The Lost Daughter and the romantic drama series Normal People, Mescal is now an Academy Award nominated actor thanks to his role in last year’s coming-of-age drama, Aftersun, in which he plays the loving, idealistic father of 11-year-old Sophie, who years later begins to reminisce about their last holiday at a fading vacation resort.
Written by Top Gun: Maverick writer Peter Craig alongside Ridley Scott, and directed by Scott, Gladiator 2 is all set to begin production this summer and will shoot in Europe. Gladiator 2 is scheduled for release on 22 November, 2024.
Mescal’s continues to rise rapidly, and the actor has several projects currently in the pipeline alongside the Gladiator sequel. Audiences will next see Mescal in the musical drama Carmen, which is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on 21 April, 2023.