Paul Mescal has been seen for the first time in character on the set of Gladiator II.
The actor was caught on camera as Lucius Verus, the grown-up son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus. The Irish actor, best known for his role in Normal People, was spotted in full armor during a fight scene in East Sussex, according to photos published by MailOnline.
Filming Resumes After Morocco Schedule
Filming recently resumed in East Sussex for reshoots after the initial production wrapped up in Morocco. This marks Paul Mescal’s first sighting as the battered and bloodied Lucius as he gears up for the film’s highly-anticipated release.
The Sequel Features a Star-Studded Cast
The original Gladiator, released in 2000, featured Russell Crowe as Maximus and grossed an impressive €544 million at the box office. The film also won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Gladiator 2 follows Lucius Verus, previously played by Spencer Treat Clark.
This time around, the sequel boasts a star-studded lineup including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen who reprises her role as Lucius’ mother, Lucilla. Reports suggest that Derek Jacobi will return as Gracchus, with additional rumored cast members like May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas joining the impressive ensemble.
A Nod to a Powerful Legacy
In an interview with Esquire UK last August, Mescal spoke of his nerves regarding the role. He admitted, I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done.
Mescal expressed both excitement and a desire to honor the legacy of the original film while making it his own.
With the excitement building and more sneak peeks emerging from the set, it’s clear that Gladiator 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2024.
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