Twenty-four years after the original, the sequel to “Gladiator”, currently in theaters, promises to be the big blockbuster of the end of the year. Director Ridley Scott chose Paul Mescal to succeed Russell Crowe, who played Maximus, in the role of the gladiator Lucius. Discovered in the series “Normal People”, the actor is surrounded by Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen, who reprises her role of Lucilla. It was in the heart of the Paramount studios in Los Angeles that the 28-year-old Irishman answered our questions.
“Gladiator” is a cult film. Did you hesitate before accepting this sequel?
When Ridley Scott asks you to film under his direction, you don’t hesitate, you say “Yes sir”. This shoot is one of the highlights of my career which changes my approach to cinema. The first “Gladiator” has enormous importance and not only for the young teenager I was when I saw it. It’s a film that is part of the history of the 7th art. I am therefore well aware of the challenge that it represents to participate in this continuation of the saga in the public eye. But Ridley is the king for this kind of big show.
Where does “Gladiator 2” compare to the original?
I play Lucius who is Lucilla’s son. At the end of the first “Gladiator” this child was taken away from Rome to give him a chance to survive. It is found as a young adult in Numidia, which today is North Africa. Our film begins with the invasion of the Roman army. This scene is grandiose. Lucius is taken prisoner and brought back to Rome which represents everything he hates. He is sold there by a slave trader to a man who will force him to fight in the Colosseum with the gladiators against the two emperors.
Your physical transformation is creating a buzz on the Internet…
I had to make this effort to become a gladiator, right? I take responsibility physically but my body before “Gladiator 2” would certainly not have made me credible in the role of Lucius (laughing). His strength is not limited to his physical, it is just as mental because he fights knowing that he could lose his life at any second.
What was the ultimate sacrifice for this shoot?
Bodybuilding, taking blows, learning choreography for fights… I wanted to force myself to do all of that. Nothing was too difficult to have the privilege of working with the great Ridley Scott, who is one of my favorite directors. I also knew I needed to change my diet and I did. On the other hand, quitting cigarettes is out of the question. It would have been the ultimate sacrifice that I would not have accepted. After work, I need a little relaxing break and yes I know, it’s my vice!
What did you learn from working with Ridley Scott?
Ridley taught me that there’s no room for doubt when you work with him. I remember on the first day of the big opening war sequence of the film, he asked me if I was ready and I told him I was worried I wouldn’t be up to it. His response was clear. Ridley told me: “I don’t need an actor who doubts but does his job.” It stuck in my head forever.
Did you speak to Russell Crowe before filming?
No, I listened to Ridley Scott’s advice, that was the most important thing.
