Actor Paul Mescal Refuses to Bulk Up for ‘Gladiator 2’ Role

Paul Mescal, who will be playing the role of Lucius, has stated that he won’t be bulking up for his Gladiator 2 role. The actor, 27, has explained that he has resolved to look “real” to viewers when production starts in the summer.

Talking about his physical transformation, Mescal told The Hollywood Reporter, “With films like this, there’s sometimes a focus on that, and I don’t find it interesting.”

“Of course, the role requires a physical robustness, but past that, I’m not interested,” he continued.

“This guy has to fight and be a beast. And whatever looks and feels right for me is what it will be.”

“Sometimes I see movies, and I’m like, ‘That person doesn’t look real,'” he concluded.

Paul Mescal says he won’t be bulking up to superhero extremes for #Gladiator2: “With films like this…there is sometimes a focus on that, which I don't find that interesting…Sometimes I see films and I’m like, ‘That person doesn’t look real.’" https://t.co/A7p3CbnDrw pic.twitter.com/vqBYvFDIw4

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 22, 2023

Mescal was given the role of Lucius, the young nephew of Commodus, in the initial installment of the historical epic.

The producers have done the casting without an audition, and the director, Sir Ridley Scott, can’t wait to get started on the forthcoming film.

Mescal revealed that he was excited to work on the film, saying, “I’m so proud I get to make it. I’m nervous about it, but I feel I can do it.”

What Else Do We Know?

Russel Crowe, who starred as Maximus, will not appear in the upcoming film. Gladiator 2 has a planned release in 2024.

Crowe has disclosed that he learned through meetings with the director that the film is not a “direct sequel” to the first film.

Crowe, 58, said, “We have had dinner and talked about it. So I know a bit of how he’s shaping the story.”

“But, if you remember, a young kid wanted to beat the Gladiator, leading to the ‘My name is’ speech. So that young kid is grown now and is the Emperor.”

“I don’t know what else happens then, so that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake. And it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like the day after, 30 years later or so.”

Who is Paul Mescal?

Mescal began his acting career on stage with productions like The Great Gatsby and The Red Shoes, then transitioned and debuted in feature films like Maggie and The Lost Daughter.

Paul Mescal photographed by Ryan Pfluger for THR pic.twitter.com/ESIKRxH6dl

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 22, 2023

He has starred in three films: Aftersun, Carmen, and God’s Creatures. He spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing he won’t share his workout routine for the upcoming Gladiator sequel.

The actor explained that people seemed to concentrate on an actor’s appearance for major performances, especially in superhero and action movies.

Mescal insists that he wants to portray the character honestly and aims for a physique to suit the role. The highly anticipated film is a sequel to the blockbuster Gladiator movie released in 2000.

It accrued several awards following its release, which include five Academy Awards and individual awards, including “Best Picture” and “Best Actor” for Crowe.

Due to the fates of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and Maximus (Russel Crowe) at the end of Gladiator, we will not expect them to appear in the sequel, which will premiere in theaters on November 22, 2024.

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