“It’s difficult to get away from the legacy”: Paul Mescal Feels the Brunt of Ridley Scott’s Epic Like Its Former Star Russell Crowe 23 Years Down the Line
In the past year, the entertainment industry witnessed the meteoric rise of two remarkable talents: Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. Their exceptional performances thrust them into the spotlight and garnered them widespread recognition. Now, these two luminaries have taken another leap forward by securing coveted roles in Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated sequel, Gladiator 2. Paul Mescal, who has solidified his place in Hollywood with his lead role as Lucius in the sequel, stands at the forefront of this grand cinematic venture.
Amidst rising fame, Mescal feels a blend of excitement and concern. He acknowledges both honor and stress in undertaking the project. Accomplished actor Pedro Pascal, renowned for his versatility, adds weight to Gladiator 2. Mescal’s admiration for Pascal’s commanding presence is clear, evident when Pascal entered the set and left an immediate impact.
How Gladiator 2 Co-Star Made Paul Mescal Nervous?
In the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel, the charismatic Paul Mescal has secured the lead role, signaling a significant leap in his career. His co-star in this thrilling cinematic venture is none other than the accomplished Pedro Pascal, creating a dynamic pairing that has fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release. Mescal’s character, Lucius, is a role that was originally brought to life by Spencer Treat Clark in the iconic 2000 film.
Interestingly, before Pedro Pascal officially became a part of the project, something quite remarkable happened. Paul Mescal had a chance encounter with Pedro Pascal at the bustling LAX airport. Despite being a fan of Pascal and admiring his work, Mescal found himself feeling a mixture of awe and nervousness, which held him back from approaching the established actor. Sharing his feelings, Mescal later mentioned in an interview that Pascal’s authenticity left a strong impression on him. He expressed his genuine anticipation for working closely with Pascal, looking forward to the moments they would spend together while working as co-stars. Amid the excitement, challenges arose. Mascal said,
“I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done.”
A strike halted the sequel’s production, leaving the actors without work temporarily. This unexpected hurdle reshaped their filmmaking plans. Nonetheless, Paul Mescal demonstrated professionalism and enthusiasm, despite potential nerves discussing Gladiator 2‘s plot. He recognized the audience’s curiosity and anticipation. In a playful manner, he mentioned refraining from divulging any story secrets, highlighting his commitment to preserving the intrigue for eager fans.
Paul Mescal’s Unshared Words with OG Gladiator Star
Paul Mescal’s enthusiasm for his Gladiator sequel role is undeniable, yet he openly acknowledges the challenge of stepping out from the shadow of the original film’s legacy. Balancing excitement with this awareness, he’s poised to infuse his unique essence into the character while paying homage to the past. Mescal commends the sequel’s script for respecting the original while establishing its distinct identity. He’s confident in making the character his own while seamlessly melding into the narrative. Mescal revealed,
“I feel really excited, but, like, it’s difficult to get away from the legacy of the film a bit. I think it’s really well written and it pays homage to the first one, but it’s very much something that I think I can step into and make comfortably my own.”
Despite his ambitions, Mescal recognizes a missing puzzle piece – a conversation with Russell Crowe, the original Gladiator star. His admiration for Crowe’s portrayal is evident, and he expresses a longing to connect with the seasoned actor over insights from the first film. Still, Mescal underlines that the sequel stands independent with its own story. Mescal won’t replace Crowe’s character Maximus, who met his end in the original film. Instead, he’ll portray Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla, placing the story years after the first movie. While he yearns for Crowe’s anecdotes from the set, Mescal affirms the distinction between the two characters and their respective journeys.
Gladiator 2 has been set for release on November 22, 2024.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
