Gladiator 2: The successor to Russell Crowe “works” to gain muscle

23 years after Gladiator, Ridley Scott has begun production on the sequel! The film will be directed by one Paul Mescal, who is nominated for the 2023 Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Aftersun.

The actor, who will replace Russell Crowe, will play Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen in Gladiator) and the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

Lucius is very excited about Maxime’s journey and must follow in his footsteps. In the first film, he was played by Spencer Trait Clarke (Unbreakable).

To interpret this character, 27-year-old Paul Mescal had to undergo intense training to gain muscle: “Every time someone asks me if I’ve started bodybuilding, I say, ‘How could you not see?’The actress laughs when asked variety as part of the Independent Spirit Awards.

I work a lot. I hope you will see me when you see me in three or four weeks.

“I’m working hard. I hope you see me when you see me in three or four weeks.”he said.

At least his routine doesn’t bother the actor in the room. “I love to exercise. I’m not afraid of it, thank God”, he confided. The actor also spoke of the upcoming strict diet with humor.

“I imagine I’ll have to eat a lot of chicken and broccoli like we usually do. I can’t wait to get started because I like things that require structured and challenging effort, actually quite fun.”– says Paul Mescal.

The Irish comedian has three months to cast, with filming set to begin in June 2023. Written by David Scarpa (All the Money in the World, Napoleon), Gladiator 2 will be directed by Ridley Scott. It will hit theaters in November 2024.

Note that Paul Mescal was introduced thanks to his role as Connell Waldron in the TV series Normal People. Her performance earned her BAFTA and prestigious Emmy Award nominations. Will he beat Brendan Fraser and Austin Butler to the Best Actor Oscar for Aftersun? Answer on March 12!