By hannover-web.com Irish actor Paul Mescal, known for his roles in “Normal People” and “Aftersun,” recently shared how he landed a role alongside Denzel Washington in the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic film, “Gladiator.” During an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” set to air on BBC One, Mescal revealed that his casting came after a brief 30-minute Zoom call with Scott.
At just 28 years old, Mescal reflects on his rapid ascent in Hollywood since his breakout role in the 2020 BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel “Normal People.” He recounted the unique experience of connecting with Ridley Scott, saying, “Ridley does not waste time. I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we Zoomed for half an hour, talked for 10 minutes about the part, and then spent 20 minutes discussing Gaelic football, his dog, and his wife. I expected more steps in the process, but a few weeks later, he called to offer me the role. I think he really goes by instinct, both on set and off, and I’m thrilled that it worked out that way.”
Following his success in “Normal People,” Mescal has appeared alongside notable actors such as Olivia Colman in “The Lost Daughter” and Emily Watson in “God’s Creatures,” earning critical acclaim for his performance in the father-daughter drama “Aftersun.”
The original “Gladiator,” released in 2000, became a global sensation, grossing $460 million and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Discussions about a sequel began as early as 2001 but faced several delays. Crowe, despite his character’s death in the first film, expressed interest in returning, hoping to incorporate a fantastical element into the story.
In “Gladiator II,” Mescal portrays the grandson of Richard Harris’s Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who met his demise at the hands of his son Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Crowe has voiced some reservations about a sequel without his involvement, stating, “I’m slightly uncomfortable with the fact that they’re making another one. Because, of course, I’m dead, and I have no say in what gets done. Some elements I’ve heard about are not in line with the moral journey of that character. But at this point, I can’t say anything. I’m six feet under, after all. So we’ll see what it turns out to be.”
