In relation to sequels of iconic movies, few initiatives have generated as a lot buzz as Ridley Scott’s 2024 epic Gladiator II. The unique 2000 movie left a legacy that’s arduous to match, and getting into that world once more isn’t any small feat. Nonetheless Paul Mescal, who was forged to guide the movie as Lucius, took the problem in stride. He was decided to carve his personal path, and for him, this meant not discussing the function with Russell Crowe. Curiously, Ridley Scott had a becoming James Bond comparability when addressing Mescal’s determination, which simply may put this daring transfer into perspective.
Paul Mescal’s Choice Not To Communicate to Russell Crowe
After all, it isn’t shocking that individuals would wish to know if the “gladiators” ever had a gathering of the minds. The unique Gladiator is a beloved film, and Crowe’s efficiency within the movie earned him an Oscar for taking part in Maximus. One naturally would marvel if Mescal wished some ideas earlier than getting into his footwear. Finally nevertheless, the Aftersun actor determined to method Gladiator II with out his predecessor’s steerage, as he wished to search out the character independently. He informed Esquire:
I don’t know what we’d discuss. Like, I’d love to listen to his tales from filming, however the character is, like, completely separate.
He echoed the sentiment when requested once more by ExtraTV. Clearly Mescal isn’t averse to assembly Crowe, however would need the event to be targeted extra about their comparable experiences, reasonably than performing and character recommendation. He elaborated:
I feel what I’d love to debate with Russell is like…commerce warfare tales having accomplished issues which might be— We’ve gone by way of issues which might be very comparable experiences with it. However I felt assured having Ridley [Scott] on the helm and the best way I work as an actor. As a result of in the end I’ve to face behind this completely on my own.
This determination makes full sense. On the finish of the day, the sequel movie got here out 24 years after the unique movie that includes new characters and a brand new story on the heart. Mescal wasn’t even taking part in the identical character that Crowe did, and the intrigue of Gladiator II was the distinctive spin the 28-year-old actor would placed on the supply materials for a brand new viewers. Mescal definitely didn’t wish to copy what Crowe did, as that would not be constructive to the method. Nonetheless, now that filming is completed, the 2 Gladiator stars would doubtless get pleasure from grabbing a pint collectively and speaking about their shared experiences, as they’ve lots in widespread.
Ridley Scott’s Take On Paul Mescal’s Choice
Director Ridley Scott, who additionally helmed the unique Gladiator in 2000, was supportive of Mescal’s determination to not attain out to Crowe. The filmmaker understood that his new main man needed to carve out his personal path. He really discovered the notion to be foolish, and in contrast it to totally different James Bond actors discussing the half collectively. These motion pictures, just like the Gladiator sequel, prioritize reinvention, hoping audiences will get one thing totally different from every portrayal reasonably than rehashing the identical factor. Scott mentioned to ExtraTV:
I’ll add to that. Why would Roger Moore name up Sean Connery [for a Bond movie] … What’s he gonna do this for?
Similar to new iterations of Bond, Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius in Gladiator II was a possibility to develop the franchise reasonably than recreate it. Scott’s remarks additionally underscored his confidence in Mescal, who’s quickly turning into certainly one of Hollywood’s most promising abilities and acquired reward from critics for his efficiency within the sequel. Comparisons to the primary Gladiator are inevitable however this analogy reveals that the 2024 movie wasn’t about chasing the shadow of Maximus. It was about forging a brand new legacy, and one which Mescal and the remainder of the Gladiator II forged had been poised to ship.
You may see Paul Mescal in Gladiator II, which remains to be taking part in in theaters nationwide. Followers can even revisit Russell Crowe’s efficiency in 2000’s Gladiator, which is presently accessible to stream now with a Paramount+ subscription.