Gladiator II is the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 blockbuster drama Gladiator. Set more than 20 years after the events of the first film, the sequel looks to be a return to the action, drama, and scope that made its predecessor so beloved. The film’s cast includes Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen, the latter of whom also appeared in the original.
Although the cast is full of well-known actors, the center Gladiator II The character is Lucius Verus played by relative newcomer Paul Mescal. Mescal appeared in his first feature film in 2021, but has already received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor thanks to a leading role in the drama After-sun. In Gladiator IIMescal shows off his skills as the adult version of a child introduced in the first film.
Screen speech spoke with Paul Mescal about his role as Lucius Verus in Gladiator II. Mescal addressed the physical regimen that helped him get into fighting shape for the film, bringing to life real-world historical figures and locations and working with Ridley Scott. Mescal also teased a special moment at the end of the film.
Paul Mescal talks about working with Ridley Scott and being transported to Ancient Rome
The actor followed the “performance language” established by the first gladiator
Screen Rant: Almost 25 years ago, I saw Gladiator– the first – and I was amazed. It’s the first DVD I own and when the film was announced I thought, “How are they going to do this?” So I watched the movie and thought, “Holy shit. They nailed it. How did the original come about? Gladiator Did the film influence your interpretation of Lucius, both as a character and as part of this legendary franchise?
Paul Mescal: The first film influenced me because it sets up the language of performance. This is kind of a canvas for the actors in both the first and second films, and it’s a wonderful canvas to work with. And what was great about the second one is that it operates within the same world, but the Roman Empire has changed 24 years later, so it feels like there’s a new opportunity to establish a brand as an actor and also with the characters. at the center of the story.
What type of research or physical training have you undertaken to accurately capture the historical context and physicality of your role?
Paul Mescal: I know it sounds boring, but it was pretty normal. It was more or less what you would expect it to be. It was gymnastics training, running, sword training, [and] horseback riding. It was fun. It requires a lot of discipline and a lot of focus, but it’s a lot of fun. And I like history, so it was also fun to learn what that time period was like, specifically, in the Roman Empire.
Paul Mescal considers the pressure that accompanied the success of the first gladiator
“There is a natural nervousness and a desire to deliver, but that goes for anything.”
Considering the success of the original GladiatorDid you feel any pressure to take on the role in the sequel?
Paul Mescal: Yes and no. Because Ridley was at the center of both stories and he directed the first with such brilliance, the fact that he was behind the camera filled me with confidence. Sure, there’s a natural nervousness and a desire to deliver, but that goes for anything, regardless of the legacy of a film that preceded yours.
Speaking of Ridley, he’s an incredible filmmaker. He is a legendary filmmaker. What was it like working with Ridley Scott and how did his fast-paced, visual directing style complement or challenge your acting process?
Paul Mescal: I’ve never worked with anyone like him in terms of style. It’s super fast. It’s like it was when I played sports. You’re exercising different muscles and I think as a result… anyone who has seen any of my work before this [knows] It’s a very different performance. Which… of course it is, because it’s a different style of directing, and he’s just, like you said, a legend and will be remembered as such.
This film transports you back in time. Was there a moment on the set, especially on that Coliseum set, where you were there, and [it] Did you feel like you were completely transported back 2,000 years ago?
Paul Mescal: Without revealing anything, the final scene of the film was very special. I don’t want to go any further, but it seems like… the focus is completely on that character, and I think it’s a very elegant ending to the film.
More about Gladiator II (2024)
Gladiator 2 is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning 2000 film Gladiator. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal starring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villainous Emperor Geta.
Check back soon for our others Gladiator II interviews:
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Denzel Washington
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Fred Hechinger
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Connie Nielsen
Source: Screen Rant Plus