Paul Mescal is making waves in Hollywood as he takes on one of the most high-profile roles of his career—the lead in Ridley Scott's Gladiator II. The Normal People star sat down for an exclusive interview, giving fans a glimpse into the process of stepping into the sandals of an epic role and what it means to work with one of cinema’s greatest directors.

Gladiator II is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, and Paul Mescal's casting has only heightened the buzz. In the upcoming sequel, Mescal plays Lucius, the grown-up son of Lucilla (originally played by Connie Nielsen). Lucius was last seen as a young boy in the original 2000 film, which starred Russell Crowe as the iconic Maximus. Mescal spoke about the pressure of stepping into a role that holds such a prominent place in film history: “It’s intimidating, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly exciting to continue the story that so many people fell in love with.”

Collaborating with Ridley Scott

Working with director Ridley Scott is a dream come true for Mescal, who admires Scott's vision and legendary approach to filmmaking. “Ridley has this amazing energy on set. He knows exactly what he wants, and he pushes everyone to deliver their best work. There’s a reason he’s still at the top of his game after all these years,” Mescal said. The actor also revealed that Scott is bringing his signature attention to detail to the set, ensuring that the world of ancient Rome is brought back to life with authenticity and grandeur.

Physical Preparation and Challenges

Playing a gladiator is no easy feat, and Mescal had to undergo intense physical training to prepare for the role. “The physical aspect was one of the toughest parts,” he admitted. “There were days where I was up at 4 AM for workouts, and then straight into fight choreography. It’s grueling, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.” Mescal also shared that he worked closely with a stunt team to master the intricate fight sequences that are a hallmark of the Gladiator franchise.

What Fans Can Expect

While details of the plot are being kept under wraps, Mescal hinted at what fans can look forward to: “The scale of this film is massive. It’s everything you’d expect from a Gladiator movie—the action, the drama, the spectacle. But it’s also about the characters and their personal journeys. Lucius has grown up in the shadow of Maximus, and now he has to find his own path.” The film aims to honor the legacy of the original while carving out its own place in the epic genre.

A Star on the Rise

Since breaking out with his role in Normal People, Mescal has quickly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents. With roles in critically acclaimed films like Aftersun and God’s Creatures, he’s proven his range as an actor. Gladiator II marks a new chapter in his career, one that he hopes will resonate with audiences worldwide. “I’m just incredibly grateful to be part of this story,” Mescal said. “I can’t wait for people to see it.”