Paul Mescal: Stepping into 'Gladiator II' Arena with Confidence

Irish actor Paul Mescal discusses his experience playing Lucius in 'Gladiator II'. He emphasizes the relief of realizing that despite the film's scale, his role as an actor remains unchanged. Mescal talks about his relationship with director Ridley Scott and co-stars, and the depth of his character, Lucius.

Irish actor Paul Mescal is set to make a major impact with his lead role in 'Gladiator II', a sequel to Ridley Scott's iconic 2000 film. Known for performances in 'Normal People' and 'Aftersun', Mescal shares his experiences working on such a large-scale project.

Mescal admitted that joining the project initially felt daunting, given Scott's reputation and the legacy of the original. However, once filming began, he found comfort in the realization that his role as an actor was fundamentally unchanged. He described his collaboration with Hollywood giants Scott and Denzel Washington as both challenging and inspiring.

In the film, Mescal portrays Lucius, heir to the Roman Empire, and delves into complex emotional territories, echoing his previous acclaimed roles. 'Gladiator II' explores Lucius's journey from exile to gladiator, addressing personal vendettas against Rome.

(With inputs from agencies.)