In the latest trailer for Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2,” Paul Mescal is depicted as a bloodied and sweaty warrior on a mission to save Rome. The film features Mescal as Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the original 2000 film.
Years after the events of “Gladiator,” the sequel follows Lucius as a young adult in Numidia, a northern African region where his mother sent him during childhood. As the story comes to play, Lucius returns to Rome as a gladiator, confronting new foes and reconnecting with his mother.
The trailer makes it known that Lucius is the son of Maximus Decimus Meridius, the protagonist from the first film, originally played by Russell Crowe. In a pivotal moment before battle, Lucilla reveals to Lucius, “Take your father’s strength. His name was Maximus. And I see him in you.”
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mescal expressed his astonishment upon discovering his character’s lineage. He recalled thinking, “I was like, ‘Holy shit,’” highlighting the weight of the responsibility that comes with such an important role.
The supporting cast of “Gladiator 2” includes Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general trained by Maximus; Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a powerful figure in Rome who owns a stable of gladiators; and Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as the twin emperors.
Scott recently mentioned that this film will contain the “biggest action sequence” he has ever created, surpassing anything from his previous work, including the film “Napoleon” starring Phoenix. With a reputation for directing some of cinema’s most impressive scenes in classics like “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” and “The Martian,” expectations are high.
After witnessing Mescal’s standout performance in “Normal People,” Scott quickly became a fan. Their initial half-hour conversation led Scott to cast Mescal as the lead for “Gladiator 2.” Mescal’s physical transformation for the role impressed Pascal, who found it daunting to face him in combat.
Pascal humorously dubbed Mescal “Brick Wall Paul” due to his impressive physique. He remarked, “He got so strong. I would rather be thrown from a building than have to fight him again,” acknowledging the challenge of competing against someone so fit and talented.
Fans can look forward to the highly anticipated sequel, set to be released on November 22.