Paul Mescal, known for his powerful performance in Normal People, is now making a leap to big-budget, epic filmmaking with Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. At 28, Mescal admits the transition was initially daunting. In a recent interview with PTI, he shared insights into his experience, explaining how the weight and scale of Gladiator II challenged and ultimately reaffirmed his sense of purpose as an actor.
Facing the Challenges of Gladiator II
The highly-anticipated follow-up to Scott’s 2000 masterpiece, which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe, Gladiator II brings back Scott’s vision of ancient Rome in grand scale. Mescal, who takes on the role of Lucius, the son of Maximus (Crowe’s character) and Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen), acknowledged that preparing for the film was no small task.
“It was something that was more difficult in prep to kind of wrap my head around,” Mescal admitted. “But once we got to work, once the camera started turning over, and once we got on set, obviously, the scale of the sets are much bigger.” For Mescal, the larger-than-life sets and scenes brought a sense of relief and familiarity that surprised him. “I felt a deep sense of relief. I was like, ‘Oh, my job as an actor is the exact same,’” he shared, noting that the essence of his role felt consistent despite the film’s grand scale.
This insight reflects Mescal’s evolving perspective on acting. Moving from the introspective, intimate setting of Normal People to the sweeping, high-stakes world of Gladiator II forced him to reconsider his process. But rather than adjusting his approach entirely, he discovered that his role remained rooted in the same principles. The sheer scale and history of Gladiator II, though awe-inspiring, did not alter his responsibility as an actor, which is to be present, authentic, and immersed in the character.
The Importance of Commitment Across Projects
Mescal emphasized the importance of treating every project with equal passion and dedication, regardless of budget or scale. He believes that each project is deserving of complete commitment. “Each film that I do comes with the same importance,” he said. “I don't think you should ever step on a set if it's not the most important part of your life at that given moment.”
Reflecting on the stark contrast between a small, $3 million independent film and a blockbuster with a $200 million-plus budget, Mescal noted that both required the same energy and focus. His words underscore a commitment to his craft that transcends production size. This work ethic resonates with Mescal’s own journey, as he has moved from modest beginnings to larger, more intense projects without losing sight of his core values as an artist.
Working Alongside Cinema Legends
As Mescal steps into the world of ancient Rome, he shares the screen with some of Hollywood’s most respected figures, including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and the return of Connie Nielsen as Lucilla. This talented ensemble, rounded out by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, brings added depth and experience to Gladiator II’s cast, creating an environment where Mescal felt both challenged and inspired.
Working with Scott, a director whose influence spans films like Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, American Gangster, The Martian, and Napoleon, also had a profound impact on Mescal. Scott is widely regarded as one of the most prolific directors in Hollywood, known for his meticulous attention to detail and vision. Mescal admired Scott's dedication and drive, particularly given his legendary status in the industry.
“What I found so inspiring about it is that both of those men [Scott and Washington] have been there and done that. They've reached the peaks of the industry that I adore, and there’s no loss of appetite or work ethic with them,” Mescal remarked. “I was like, if I can have a fraction of their careers when I'm their age, I would bite your hand off for it.” These experiences have cemented Mescal’s respect for the enduring commitment of these veterans, something he hopes to emulate in his own career.
Taking on the Role of Lucius
In Gladiator II, Mescal portrays Lucius, the boy who, in the original Gladiator, was introduced as the young heir to the Roman throne. The son of Maximus and Lucilla, Lucius grew up under the shadow of his father’s legacy. In Scott’s return to the swords-and-sandals genre, Lucius