In an era where physical appearance often precedes, Paul Mescal is a refreshing exception. The Irish actor, known for his breakthrough role in “Normal People,” recently opened up about his rigorous training for the highly anticipated sequel, “Gladiator 2.”

Despite the demands of his role as Lucius, Mescal emphasized that his goal was not to become a sex symbol but to embody the character of a formidable Roman warrior authentically.

Meeting Ridley Scott: A Turning Point

Paul Mescal’s journey to starring in “Gladiator 2” began with a brief yet impactful meeting with the film’s legendary director, Ridley Scott. “We spoke for about 20 to 30 minutes,” Mescal shared with Vanity Fair.

“I wanted to get a flavor from him about what the story was going to be about, so we spent about 15 minutes talking about that, and then we spent another 10 minutes talking about the sport that I played growing up — Gaelic football. 

Maybe that helped with it, in that I’m used to being physical in my body. I remember that probably two or three weeks later, the offer came in.”

Scott’s decision was influenced by Mescal’s performance in “Normal People,” where his physicality and emotional depth left a lasting impression. This meeting paved the way for Mescal to step into the sandals of Lucius, the son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen.

Embodying Lucius: A Physical and Psychological Transformation

The character of Lucius is complex, living as a young adult in the northern African region of Numidia before returning to Rome as a gladiator. For Mescal, this role required a significant physical transformation. However, his approach to training was grounded in practicality rather than aesthetics.

“I just wanted to be big and strong and look like somebody who can cause a bit of damage when shit hits the fan,” Mescal explained. “I think also, sometimes, one could, in striving for that perfect look, end up looking more like an underwear model than a warrior.”

Mescal’s training focused on building functional strength necessary for the demanding fight choreography rather than merely achieving a chiseled physique.

“Muscles start to grow, and that can be deemed aesthetic in certain capacities, but there is something about feeling strong in your body that elicits just a different feeling. You carry yourself differently,” he added. “It impacts you psychologically in a useful way for the film.”

The Nickname: “Brick Wall Paul”

Mescal’s transformation was so impressive that it earned him the nickname “Brick Wall Paul” on set, courtesy of his co-star Pedro Pascal. Pascal, who plays Marcus Acacius, a Roman general, admitted that Mescal’s physical prowess made their on-screen confrontations particularly challenging. 

“He got so strong. I would rather be thrown from a building than have to fight him again,” Pascal joked. “To go up against somebody that fit, talented, and much younger… It’s brutal, man.”

The Stellar Cast and Riveting Plot

“Gladiator 2” boasts a star-studded cast, including Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy powerbroker in Rome who keeps a stable of gladiators for sport, and Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as the twin emperors of Rome. The story starts with Lucius navigating his life in Numidia and returning to Rome to reunite with his mother and confront new adversaries.

Mescal’s natural features also played a part in his casting. “My nose just is kind of Roman,” he remarked. “So it’s useful in this context. The nose that I hated when I was in secondary school — and used to get ribbed for — became very, very useful when Ridley needed somebody to be in ‘Gladiator 2.’”

Release and Anticipation

Paramount Pictures is set to release “Gladiator 2” in theaters nationwide on November 22. As anticipation builds, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Mescal’s dedication and physical transformation translate on the big screen. The sequel promises to deliver an epic narrative and a testament to Mescal’s commitment to his craft.

Paul Mescal’s approach to preparing for “Gladiator 2” highlights a refreshing perspective in Hollywood. His focus on authenticity and functional strength over mere aesthetics sets a new standard for actors taking on physically demanding roles.

As the release date approaches, Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius is set to captivate audiences and redefine the modern cinematic warrior.

The information is taken from Variety and MSN