Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal recently shared their excitement about their roles in the highly anticipated Gladiator 2 and what it’s like to work with legendary director Ridley Scott. Both actors expressed their admiration for Scott’s unique storytelling style and the scale of the production, which aims to live up to the monumental legacy of the original film.
In a candid discussion, Pascal reflected on the first time he watched Gladiator, recalling the emotional impact it had on him. “The film was incredibly visceral and epic, a type of storytelling you rarely see today,” he said, emphasizing how it resonated with audiences. Mescal, who plays Lucius, noted that his character’s journey is both a tribute to and a departure from Maximus’s story. “Lucius has a very different journey than Maximus, and I wanted to explore that,” he shared.
The two actors highlighted their initial meetings with Ridley Scott, where the conversation quickly shifted from the film to personal topics. Pascal recalled, “When I met with Ridley, it felt less about the job and more about the experience of getting to know him. He has such a wealth of knowledge.” Mescal added, “It was a privilege just to sit down with him and talk about filmmaking.”
Both actors acknowledged the monumental task of stepping into a story that holds a cherished place in cinematic history. “The legacy of the first film is profound,” Mescal said. “We have to honor that while bringing something fresh to the table.” Pascal agreed, noting that the screenplay does much of the work to bridge the past and present, allowing them to create layered performances.
As they discussed their characters, Pascal, who plays General Aus, described his character as a complex figure representing the darker sides of the Roman Empire. “Aus embodies everything Lucius stands against,” he explained, shedding light on the moral dilemmas faced by their characters.
Amidst their reflections, the two actors engaged in lighthearted banter about their on-screen dynamics, playfully debating who would win in a fight between their characters. Their chemistry off-screen translated into their performances, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
Finally, both Pascal and Mescal expressed their excitement for audiences to experience Gladiator 2. “I’m thrilled for everyone to see what we’ve created,” Pascal said, while Mescal added, “It’s one of Ridley’s greatest pieces of work.” Their enthusiasm is palpable, promising a film that honors the past while forging its own path in cinematic history.
Together, Pascal and Mescal embody a new generation of talent in Gladiator 2, and their collaboration with Ridley Scott is sure to bring the epic tale back to life in unforgettable ways.
