Paul Mescal Sings and Raps in ‘SNL’s ‘Gladiator II’ Musical Parody

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As a devoted admirer of Paul Mescal’s exceptional acting prowess and versatility, I must say this latest turn as a musical sensation in ‘Gladiator II: The Musical’ has left me utterly enthralled! His transformation from a tormented soul to a charismatic Broadway performer is nothing short of magical.

After the phenomenal success of musical adaptations at the weekend box office – such as Moana 2 and Wicked! – Saturday Night Live thought it was only fair to give another movie playing this season, Gladiator II, its own musical spin. And what better timing could there be than when the film’s leading actor, Paul Mescal, is hosting SNL?

Following a series of hurried retakes, it turns out that “Gladiator II” has transformed into…a Musical! And, as Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang croon in their introductory number, there really is no place quite like Rome, isn’t there?

Welcome to the Rome of ‘Gladiator II: The Musical’

The narrator quips, “It’s the very same historical epic filled with violence that has everyone talking, but this time it includes an additional 50 minutes of music.

Donning my Roman gladiator attire, I find myself unexpectedly transforming into a Broadway-worthy actor, delivering those witty song lyrics with an extra dash of humor. “They label me as a killer, but one day they’ll recognize who I am!

For anyone who exists within the sphere of what may be considered “extremely online,” Mescal singing as he swivels his hips (and notoriously, always-out-there thighs) to the building music is the sort of gift that keeps on giving. The actor has done an excellent job of not only poking fun at himself for playing such emotionally charged and tortured characters, but also showcasing his abilities beyond that as a romantic, musical, and comedic lead. For everyone else, it’s probably not all that special a moment (but maybe it should be. It’s okay to let yourself feel things).

The scene reaches its peak with Mescal, on a broomstick and donning a witch’s hat, belting out a lofty note reminiscent of “Defying Gravity”, in a tribute to the extraordinary popularity of the Broadway musical adaptation featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

As a cinephile, I find myself reflecting on the peculiar state of movies today. It seems that I’ve been left out of the loop regarding the current situation, as suggested in an imagined quote from The Hollywood Reporter. In another instance, the words attributed to the real director, Ridley Scott, echo my sentiments: “I was not informed about this.

In the pipeline for Mescal are several captivating ventures, such as his part in Richard Linklater’s expansive rendition of “Merrily We Roll Along“, which promises to showcase more of his vocal talents (and will span two decades before it reaches our screens). Originally a Broadway musical, this production has garnered renewed interest due to the acclaimed performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in New York. The musical, which gained notoriety through Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics added to George Furth’s book, based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, has experienced a resurgence in popularity. This previously under-appreciated show is now being recognized for its unique qualities.

Upcoming projects for Mescal involve a variety of interesting works. One is a film adaptation of the novel-turned-play “Hamnet” directed by Chloé Zhao, where he will portray William Shakespeare. Additionally, he’s set to star in “The Dog Stars“, and another project titled “The History of Sound“. Until these productions premiere, you can enjoy replaying the above sketch multiple times.

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2024-12-09 01:02