Exclusive: Gladiator 2's New Lead Star Sets Hearts Racing as Paramount Execs Discover His Jaw-Dropping Physique!

Summary

Mescal was selected for the role following the admiration of two Paramount executives who witnessed his incredible performance in the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire.

During a stage play, Paul Mescal caught the attention of Paramount executives when he removed his shirt, resulting in a significant response from female audience members. This ultimately persuaded Paramount co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland to cast him as the lead actor in Gladiator 2. Directed by Ridley Scott, the highly anticipated sequel is set to be released next year, focusing on the character Lucius following the death of Maximus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, in the original film.

Paramount co-president Daria Cercek discusses the casting of Mescal as Lucius in Gladiator 2. In a recent interview with Variety, Cercek reveals that she and co-head Michael Ireland watched Mescal's performance in A Streetcar Named Desire on the West End, which ultimately convinced them to cast him. Cercek shares her thoughts on Mescal's captivating performance, stating, "He played Stanley, and there were moments where he removed his shirt that were truly captivating. The female audience members were quite vocal, and at that moment, we knew we had found our leading man."

Can Paul Mescal Fill Russell Crowe's Shoes In Gladiator 2?

Gladiator remains Crowe's most iconic role, earning him an Oscar for his performance as the Roman general. While Scott's assured directing and a strong script greatly benefit the film, Crowe is undeniably the face of the movie, and the entire story relies on his portrayal. However, with Maximus succumbing to his wounds and Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus also meeting his demise in Gladiator, the sequel will have to forge ahead without these two major acting talents.

Fortunately, the cast of Gladiator 2 boasts an impressive lineup, including Mescal and the returning Connie Nielsen, alongside Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and May Calamawy, among others. Even without the star power and rising stars, Mescal has proven himself more than capable of shouldering the weight of Gladiator 2. At 27 years old, the actor has already claimed an Emmy for his role in the critically acclaimed TV series Normal People, and he has also garnered an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the indie drama Aftersun.

The success of Gladiator 2 will rely on both Mescal's acting skills and how effectively the film utilizes him. The storyline for the sequel is currently unknown, but the original movie expertly blended intense and violent scenes with thoughtful character moments, in which Crowe excelled. The audience's response to Gladiator 2 remains uncertain, as the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike might cause a delay in seeing Mescal's return to the big screen.