Gladiator 2’s Paul Mescal Was ‘Incapacitated’ Working With Denzel Washington

Ridley Scott’s much-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning film Gladiator is nearing its release date and has already generated much discussion online. Gladiator 2 will see Paul Mescal portray a grown-up version of Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus and Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla. The star-studded cast of the movie also includes Pedro Pascal, who plays Marcus Acacius, and two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington. In a recent discussion, Mescal opened up about his experience working with Washington.

Paul Mescal felt ‘incapacitated’ seeing Denzel Washington on Gladiator 2’s set

Paul Mescal has recently revealed that he was awe-struck by the idea of acting with Denzel Washington in Gladiator 2.

The Normal People star shared how it was to perform alongside an actor as iconic as Washington during an interview with GQ. “I built it up in my head,” Mescal said while describing his state prior to doing his scenes. “I was like, ‘Okay, today’s the day that Denzel’s going to be on set.’ And I was so incapacitated by it that I suddenly was like, ‘This is so fucking stupid. I have a job to do.’ ”

Denzel Washington responded in a similar style, praising Paul Mescal for his work in Gladiator 2. “He knows how to do it. It’s easy to work off of him because he’s giving you something,” The Equalizer star said. “There’s a quiet dignity and a strength and intelligence that he has, even just when he’s standing there.”

In Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the son of former Roman empress Lucilla. On the other hand, Denzel Washington portrays an affluent powerbroker who maintains a hoard of gladiators under his command. As things unfold, Mescal’s Lucius finds himself in the fighting pits, working under the supervision of Washington’s character.

Gladiator 2 comes out in theaters on November 22, 2024.