The sequel to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator has found its lead in Irish actor Paul Mescal. Deadline reports that the 26-year-old actor is in negotiations to lead the Oscar-winning movie’s sequel, with Scott returning to the director’s chair. The original film centered on Russell Crowes’s Maximus and his quest for vengeance against the evil emperor Commodus who had his family killed. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning five Oscars, including Best Picture of 2000 and Best Actor for Crowe. The Gladiator sequel will center on Commodus’s nephew Lucius who Agents of SHIELD actor Spencer Treat Clark played in the 2000 film. Maximus spared Lucius and his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), leaving an impression on Lucius. Mescal will be taking over this role.
Actor Paul Mescal Plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator’ Sequel
Paul Mescal is perhaps best known for his role in the Hulu miniseries Normal People, for which he received high-acclaim and a British Academy Television Award and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. He made his film debut in 2021’s The Lost Daughter. Last year he starred in Aftersun and God’s Creatures, both of which garnered him much acclaim for his performances. He will soon star alongside Saoirse Ronan and Aaron Pierre in Anonymous Content’s movie Foe.
While Paul Mescal is still making a name for himself as an actor, the praise he has received in television, film, and theatre suggests he is more than qualified to take on the lead role in the Gladiator sequel. Ridley Scott struck gold with the original picture, and its safe to assume he knows what his is doing is he prepares to direct the sequel.
Along with this project, Scott recently directed Napoleon starring Commodus himself, Joaquin Phoenix. The film is set to release on AppleTV+ this year.
Are you planning to see Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel with actor and rising star Paul Mescal? Share your thoughts in the comments.