Gladiator II’s Paul Mescal On The ‘Totally Right’ Advice He Received From Ridley Scott On His First Day Of Filming: ‘No F—ing Good’

Gladiator II’s Paul Mescal On The ‘Totally Right’ Advice He Received From Ridley Scott On His First Day Of Filming: ‘No F—ing Good’

As a gamer with a penchant for movies and a soft spot for historical epics, I must say that watching Paul Mescal step into the lead role of Gladiator II was nothing short of exhilarating. The pressure was palpable, considering he was following in the footsteps of an Oscar winner and taking over from one of the most iconic roles in cinema history.


For Paul Mescal, taking on the lead role in the upcoming “Gladiator II” was quite a daunting task. This is because the original movie was both a huge box office hit and an Oscar winner. Moreover, he would be working under the legendary director Ridley Scott. However, according to Mescal, his anxiety subsided quickly once it became clear that Scott wouldn’t tolerate any nervousness.

From the trailer for Gladiator II, it appears the movie will be visually stunning, with its portrayal of ancient Rome. In an interview with Total Film, star Paul Mescal agrees that this is accurate. However, he mentions that Ridley Scott swiftly took care of any potential nerves, as the director was the one to brief Mescal just before filming started. According to Mescal…

On my very first day, stepping onto the set with around 200 to 1,000 supporting artists/extras present, fires blazing, and the grandeur of Morocco’s walls surrounding me, I couldn’t help but exclaim, ‘Wow – this is truly monumental!’ However, before the cameras started rolling, Ridley uttered something that left a lasting impression. He said, ‘Your nerves are of no use to me.’ This statement encapsulates Ridley perfectly, and it’s incredibly empowering because it’s so true. After all, nerves don’t help in this line of work.

Ridley Scott is undoubtedly a director who speaks his mind honestly. Unlike other directors who might choose to remain silent, he has been openly critical of sequels to his films directed by others. He even referred to Gladiator II as one of the best movies he’s ever made, indicating that he holds it in high regard and has great expectations for its success.

It’s understandable that Mescal might feel anxious given his role in “Gladiator II”. After all, who wouldn’t be in such a situation? The actor confesses that he had to overcome his own apprehensions while joining the cast. He acknowledges that Russell Crowe set a high standard, but since he’s not reprising the same character, he didn’t experience the same level of pressure. Mescal went on to explain…

I believe the impact that his initial film has had is truly exceptional.

One option for paraphrasing your text could be: Creating a standalone film for Gladiator II, with unique characters, could make it more distinct from its prequel, reducing the pressure of comparison. However, if the movie strays too far from the original, it may not align with what fans are anticipating or hoping for. Ridley Scott’s promise of thrilling action in the sequel is likely to reassure those who might be apprehensive, similar to Paul Mescal’s character.

20 years after the initial film, we find ourselves with Gladiator II, where we follow Lucius, who was merely a child in the first installment, as he embarks on a path mirroring Russell Crowe’s Maximus and becomes a Gladiator himself. This movie serves as an inspiration to many and is set to grace theaters in November.

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2024-10-11 03:07