Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe has sent his best wishes to rising star Paul Mescal ahead of the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel. The 56-year-old actor, who starred as Maximus Decimus Meridius in the blockbuster hit, has recently hinted that a follow-up film is in the works. In a recent interview, Crowe had high praise for Mescal, calling him a “good dude” and expressing his excitement for the young Irish actor’s future. With fans eagerly anticipating any news about the Gladiator sequel, Crowe’s friendly words have only added to the excitement surrounding Mescal’s involvement in the upcoming film.
Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe has expressed his admiration for Paul Mescal, who will be starring in the sequel to the Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator. Crowe, who played Maximus in the original 2000 film, admitted that he was just a bit envious of Mescal’s role in the sequel, in which he plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla. Crowe said that the idea of Lucius stepping into the role of emperor was intelligent and fitting within the original’s narrative. The Australian actor wished Mescal good luck during an appearance on The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1.
In the interview, Crowe also recalled his own experiences making Gladiator. Although the film would go on to become a massive success, it was not without its difficulties. Crowe spoke about his love for period films and his appreciation for the film’s costumes and set pieces. He also shared stories of playing tennis with Tubridy and friends on Sundays after filming had wrapped each week. Crowe laughed about how his competitive spirit got the best of him and he began keeping spreadsheets and marking scores.
Crowe was in Dublin to promote his latest film, The Pope’s Exorcist, which was filmed in the Irish capital. He expressed his fondness for the city, recalling bittersweet memories of his time on the Gladiator set.
Gladiator, set in ancient Rome, tells the story of a soldier named Maximus who becomes a gladiator and rebels against an emperor who murdered his family. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe, and Best Visual Effects. Plans for a sequel to Gladiator have been in the works for over a decade, but production had been delayed due to script issues and the death of original director Ridley Scott’s brother and producing partner, Tony Scott. The script for the sequel, now officially titled Gladiator: The Son of Lucilla, will be penned by Peter Craig, who co-wrote The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2.
Paul Mescal, best known for his breakout performance in the acclaimed television series Normal People, has seen his career take off since the show aired last year. The Irish actor recently received a BAFTA nomination for his role in the television movie, A Room for a View, and is currently filming Carmen, a movie adaptation of the famous French opera.
Crowe, who has had a lengthy and successful career in the entertainment industry, has been keeping busy as well. In addition to The Pope’s Exorcist, which is set to be released in November, he has also recently wrapped up filming on the psychological thriller Pokerface, which co-stars Liam Hemsworth and is directed by Matthew Vaughters. His other recent credits include the television miniseries The Loudest Voice and the 2020 film Unhinged.
It remains to be seen how the Gladiator sequel will be received by audiences, but it is clear that there is still a great deal of interest in the world of ancient Rome and its warriors. With Ridley Scott back at the helm and a talented cast that includes Mescal, the film seems poised for success.
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Gladiator sequel, Russell Crowe’s recent endorsement of Paul Mescal has only added to the excitement. Mescal’s talents as an actor and his reputation as a “good dude” have clearly caught Crowe’s attention, and with his support, the young star seems poised for success. As we await further updates about the film, it’s clear that the legacy of the original Gladiator will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. We can only hope that Mescal’s performance lives up to the hype, and that the film itself is a worthy successor to its iconic predecessor.
