The Buffening of Paul Mescal For 'Gladiator 2' Has Commenced
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Remember earlier this year, when we learned that Paul Mescal would trade his chain for a sword in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel? Well, he's also getting absolutely ripped. In fact, the man is suddenly so damn swole that people can't help but comment on his transformation.
"With films like this and superhero films, there is sometimes a focus on that," Mescal told The Hollywood Reporter. "I don’t find that interesting. Of course, there’s a physical robustness required for the character, but past that, I’m not interested. This guy’s got to fight and got to be a beast. And whatever that looks and feels like is right for me is what it’s going to be." So, do your best not to bring attention to Mescal's new physique, no matter how thirsty you are online.
As it turns out, he won't be the only Hollywood darling in the cast, either. Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington will reportedly co-star in the film as well. Pascal is the latest actor to join the project, following his critically acclaimed appearance in The Last of Us—with Deadline revealing that he'll shoot the sequel for Paramount between seasons of the HBO series. Neither Pascal nor Washington’s roles have not been announced yet, but a source close to the project said Washington was excited about playing the “badass role” that was crafted with him in mind.
After the script was finalized in November, Mescal was one of the first actors to meet with Scott, and he was promptly tapped as the lead, Lucius. For those who need a quick refresher: Lucius is Lucilla’s (Connie Nielsen) son in the original movie. Back then, the character was a young child whose life was saved by Maximus (Russell Crowe) after the final battle. The sequel takes place years after the first film ended, where Lucius is all grown up and ready to embark on his own journey. The official plot has not been released, but from the sound of things, the next Gladiator will largely follow Lucius's life as an adult in Ancient Rome.
Though the Gladiator sequel is still in development, Scott has secured a team to bring the film to life. He is producing the sequel alongside Michael Pruss, the president of Scott Free Productions, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher from Red Wagon Entertainment. Scott also brought on Janty Yates, the original costume designer for Gladiator, along with Arthur Max, the original production designer.
Pascal can also been in the Pedro Almodóvar short film, A Strange Way of Life, alongside Ethan Hawke. Later in the year, the actor will appear in both Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales and Ethan Coen's highly anticipated Drive Away Dolls. Gladiator 2 has been set for a November 22, 2024 release date—barring any setbacks—so it'll be just a little wait before we can see all these leading men duking it out in gladiator armor.
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