Gladiator II, the highly anticipated film directed by Ridley Scott, has been making headlines recently, not only for its action-packed storyline but also for the surprising casting choice of Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus. It was revealed in a Hollywood Reporter feature that Scott was inspired to cast Mescal after binge-watching the Hulu series Normal People.
The decision to cast Mescal over more established stars like Timothée Chalamet and Miles Teller was unexpected, but according to Paramount co-presidents of film Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland, Mescal’s performance in A Streetcar Named Desire in London caught their attention. This led to Scott ultimately choosing Mescal for the role, despite the actor’s lack of mainstream recognition.
Mescal’s dedication to the physically demanding role in Gladiator II paid off, with the film grossing an impressive $106 million in its opening weekend. This success has already sparked discussions of a possible sequel, with Scott hinting at the potential for Gladiator III in the future.
In addition to his role in Gladiator II, Mescal has also secured a spot in Scott’s upcoming thriller The Dog Stars, showcasing the director’s confidence in the actor’s abilities. While Mescal has expressed interest in returning for another Gladiator film, nothing has been confirmed yet.
Before fans dive back into the world of Gladiator, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of Normal People, the series that ultimately led to Mescal’s breakthrough role in Gladiator II. The unexpected journey from a Hulu series to a major Hollywood film demonstrates the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the opportunities it can present to emerging talent.
