Gladiator 2: Ridley Scott reveals why he chose Paul Mescal
The English director says he was dazzled by Normal People.
Following his acclaimed performance in Aftersunwhich earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, Paul Mescal was chosen to play the hero of Gladiator 2. Director, Ridley Scottsays in a interview with Total Film why he chose the Irish actor to play the lead role after Russell Crowe.
The British filmmaker says he loved Normal Peoplethe BBC limited series that revealed Paul Mescalgiving him an Emmy nomination at the time:
“I watched Normal People. It’s not normally my type of show, but then I watched four episodes in a row! Boom, boom, boom. And while I was watching it, I was like: “But who the hell is this Paul Mescal?” And then I watched the whole series. And then, suddenly, Gladiator 2 appeared, because the script worked quite well. And I kept thinking of Paul for this role. It made sense.”
Paul Mescal will play Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and will be surrounded in the cast by Connie Nielsenwho will return to play her mother, as well as Pedro Pascal And Denzel Washington.
Gladiator 2directed by Ridley Scott and was written by David Scarpa. Theatrical release on November 22, 2024.
