Paul Mescal is gearing towards the upcoming release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, the sequel to Russell Crowe’s 2000 epic historical drama film. While the young star is excited for Crowe to watch his version of the movie, the latter confessed feeling a bit “uncomfortable” upon discovering a sequel was in the works.
Crowe gained international recognition for playing Maximus in Gladiator; unfortunately, the character passed away in the first film, which left no possibility for the actor to make an appearance in the sequel.
Paul Mescal Wishes Russell Crowe Would Appreciate Gladiator 2
In an interview via Heart on YouTube, actor Paul Mescal reveals what he feels about Russell Crowe watching his own take on the Gladiator franchise.
I hope he enjoys it. I hold his performance very dearly but more so than that, we’ve always got to remember that these films are for an audience. They’re not for the people within it. It’s our job that we love doing but ultimately, you’re providing a service and a film for an audience to enjoy.
Mescal clearly wants the fans to enjoy the movie as it is although some comparisons could be inevitable. The Gladiator is a classic movie that has stood the test of time, and making a sequel very much attracts opinions from those who have seen and loved the first film.
So as much as I hope that the people, who hold this film very dearly on a personal level, enjoy it. It is ultimately for the people who go and spend their money on a ticket.
The actor revealed his surreal reaction upon learning he booked the gig. “It was kind of one of those things where it feels like everything goes into slow motion… I’ve got my earphones in and I was getting this news that would change the course of my life,” Mescal shared.
That moment felt like he was in a weird bubble situation where no one knew, at that point, that a sequel to Gladiator was going to happen. He also admitted he kind of blacked out in his head, too.
Russell Crowe Gets Honest About His Thoughts On Gladiator 2
While Mescal is excited to see the outcome of his efforts, actor Russell Crowe feels a bit uneasy with the news that Gladiator 2 is happening (via Variety):
I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact that they’re making another one, you know? Because of course, I’m dead, and I have no say in what gets done.
He lamented the mere fact that he could not give any input on how the movie would run because he didn’t have a place anymore in the second installment. “There’s definitely a tinge — and this is just being purely honest — a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy,” he confessed after admitting his body has changed with age.
Hopefully, Crowe would give it a chance and see the movie on its premiere. After all, he remains a prolific actor with an onslaught of upcoming projects on his plate.
Gladiator 2 hits theaters on November 15.
