Paul Mescal is ready to fight for what he wants—literally.
The Gladiator II star is set to host this Saturday’s episode of Saturday Night Live alongside musical guest Shaboozey. In a just-released promo, Mescal initially impresses cast members Heidi Gardner and Devon Walker with his lowkey, professional attitude, only to dramatically switch thing up.
Gardner tells Mescal he was “like, so awesome in Gladiator II,” and Walker compliments him on being early for the table read. “I just normally like to get a feel for the space, you know?” the actor says nonchalantly.
Walker then turns to Gardner, who’s holding a script. “Oh, Heidi, actually, I think that’s my script,” he says, which she immediately disputes.
Something changes in Mescal’s eyes. “And so it shall be…” he says, ominous music playing in the background. “A fight to the death.” He whips out a pair of swords, proclaiming Gladiator-style, “For glory! And for truth!”
The cast members trade confused looks. “Uh, I mean…” Walker says uneasily, handing the script over to Gardner. “She can just have the script, man.”
Just then, longtime SNLer Mikey Day comes onto the scene. “Paul!” he says. “Lorne told me that you wanted to play Don Jr. I hate to be this guy, but that’s kinda my thing.”
Mescal says it’s not a problem at all, which prompts Day to comment on “what a nice guy” the actor is. But just as the cast members start to excitedly discuss the upcoming episode, Day is suddenly hit in the chest with an arrow.
The camera then pans to Mescal, who’s standing in the bleachers with a bow and arrow. “You killed him!” Gardner cries out as Walker screams alongside her.
“A man must fight for what is rightfully his,” Mescal responds as the dramatic music returns. “I will have vengeance or I will have death!” After a beat, he breaks into a smile and adds, “It’s gonna be real fun this week, guys. I’ll see you at the read-through!” He skips off, leaving Gardner and Walker to deal with the bloody mess he left behind.
This Saturday’s SNL (back after a two-week Thanksgiving break) will mark Mescal’s first time hosting, as well as his first-ever appearance on the show. Prior to scoring the starring role of Lucius Verus Aurelius/“Hanno” in Gladiator IIthe BAFTA winner rose to fame with his acclaimed performances in projects like Normal People, After sunand All of Us Strangers.
SNL returns this Saturday, December 7, at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
