Actor Paul Mescal’s relentless pursuit of stunt perfection leads to clash with Ridley Scott on the set of Gladiator II in Rome as they wager over a dangerous horse chase

Paul Mescal, the rising star known for Normal People, recently shared the fiery exchange he had with legendary director Ridley Scott over an intense stunt in Gladiator II.

The actor, taking on the lead role as Lucius Verus, found himself at odds with Scott during the film’s production.

Set decades after the original, Gladiator II follows Lucius, once heir to the Roman Empire, as he’s torn from his family, forced into slavery, and ultimately into the Colosseum for a chance to restore his honor.

With early reviews hailing the film as “the best movie of the year,” fans eagerly anticipate its release.

A Heated Stunt Showdown

In an interview with Variety, Mescal revealed the back-and-forth he had with Scott over one high-stakes scene.

The stunt in question involved a horse-mounted chase, which Paul had spent “months training for” to prepare himself for the high-octane action sequence.

Just two weeks before filming, however, Scott had second thoughts. “You’re not f***ing doing it,” Scott reportedly told him, triggering a heated argument.

Eventually, after relentless persuasion, Scott agreed to let Mescal take on the stunt—but on one condition.

“If you come off, it’s two Bentleys,” Scott said, betting on Mescal’s success.

With the pressure on, Mescal managed to pull off the scene in just a couple of takes, proving his dedication and skill.

The Rigorous Transformation for Gladiator II

The commitment didn’t stop with the stunts.

Mescal endured a physically intense transformation, training with a fitness coach to bulk up for his portrayal of the vengeful Lucius.

From bodybuilding to learning to ride horses, Mescal’s routine led him to a level of strength he had never known.

“You start feeling like your body can inflict damage, which is weird,” Mescal said, describing the power and confidence he gained through training.

Despite his lack of prior bodybuilding experience, Mescal was dedicated to embodying the character’s fierce physicality.

Balancing Fitness with Life’s Pleasures

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Mescal admitted that while he was committed to his rigorous workout schedule, he wasn’t willing to give up some personal indulgences.

“I like to drink, and I like to smoke,” Mescal confessed, sharing that he negotiated with his trainer to maintain a balance.

Trainer Tim Blakeley adapted the routine to allow Mescal to keep a bit of his normal life, letting him “draw a line in the sand” when it came to these pleasures.

Mescal humorously recalled, “I was petrified they were going to take away everything fun.”

The Road to Becoming Lucius Verus

Portraying Lucius Verus, son of the iconic Maximus (originally played by Russell Crowe), Mescal dives deep into the character’s journey.

Now a grown man living in Numidia, Lucius’ journey brings him back to Rome where he faces powerful adversaries, including the ruthless General Marcus, portrayed by Pedro Pascal.

The film has garnered rave reviews, with critics applauding both Mescal’s performance and the epic scale of the film.

After twenty years in the making, Gladiator II is expected to be one of the year’s most memorable cinematic experiences.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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