Paul Mescal addresses Russell Crowe ‘Gladiator’ comparisons

Paul Mescal did not contact Russell Crowe before taking on the lead role gladiator sequel because “I wouldn’t know what to say”.

He spoke to the Irish actor GQ magazine about his upcoming role in Gladiator IIwhich follows the 2000 Oscar-winning film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Scott is also directing the sequel.

Mescal will play Lucius, the son of Crowe’s character Maximus from the original film. The gladiator The films are set in ancient Rome, with the sequel following Lucius, who is forced into slavery and must fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum, not only for his freedom, but to free the city from their tyrannical leaders.

Crowe’s performance in gladiator it was a pivotal moment in his career and earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Mescal is aware that his performance will be compared to Crowe’s, but he believes that their two careers are bigger than a single film.

“I think it’s also a mistake when people say, ‘That was Russell’s thing,'” Mescal said. GQ. “Russell had proven himself time and time again. And then he proved it time and time again gladiator An incredible career like Russell’s has not been built on his own gladiator“

Newsweek reached out to representatives for Mescal and Crowe via email for comment.

The actor, who rose to fame in the television series normal people he also reflected on the pressure of leading a major Hollywood film.

“I know that gladiator it’s by far the biggest thing I’ve done in terms of public accountability and the amount of people that will be there,” he said. “But I think now I’ve built a personal infrastructure. where I know the map of what I want to be as an actor. So it’s not the end all.”

Gladiator II has a star-studded cast, including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and strange things actor Joseph Quinn. Connie Nielsen is reprising her role as Lucilla, the mother of Lucius and Maximus’ lover.

Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave who becomes an arms dealer and runs a stable of gladiators. while Mandalorian Star Pascal stars as Roman general Marcus Acacius, who trained under Maximus. Acacius will be seen at the head of an army with the aim of taking over North Africa.

The film opens in US cinemas on November 22, which is a week after its transatlantic release in the UK.