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Irish actor Paul Mescal reveals the vice he refused to give up while training for his role on Gladiator ‘I was petrified they were going to take it away’

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Irish actor Paul Mescal reveals the vice he refused to give up while training for his role on Gladiator 'I was petrified they were going to take it away'

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but be in awe of Paul Mescal’s dedication and sheer grit! The man is not just a talented actor, but he’s also a testament to the fact that one can maintain their vices (in this case, drinking and smoking) while still achieving the impossible. His story serves as a reminder that even gladiators need their wine and cigarettes!

On a recent episode of The Project, Paul Mescal shared that he held onto two habits during his preparation for Gladiator II, rather than giving them up.

A 28-year-old Irish actor, known for his role in the follow-up of Russell Crowe’s 2000 blockbuster film, put himself through an intense exercise regimen to shape up for his starring part.

However, the actor from Normal People admitted that he found it difficult to quit alcohol and cigarettes while striving for the chiseled body required for the movie.

‘I was petrified that they were going to take away everything, like drinking and I smoke. Everything fun,’ he said.

Paul mentioned that he requested his personal trainer, Tim Blakeley, to incorporate his habits of drinking and smoking into his demanding exercise routine.

Paul reminisced, saying, “Tim, I really felt strongly that I would continue with my drinking and smoking for a short while, if possible.

‘He very kindly incorporated them, not into the workout routine, but just into my life.’

In the year 2020, Paul became widely recognized for his role as the intellectual character, Connell Waldron, in Normal People. However, viewers got a fresh perspective of him when they watched Gladiator II.

Irish actor Paul Mescal reveals the vice he refused to give up while training for his role on Gladiator 'I was petrified they were going to take it away'

In the sequel of Ridley Scott’s original film, an Irish actor was chosen to play the role of Lucius. This follow-up made its debut in Australia last Wednesday evening.

In the initial film, the character portrayed by Russell Crowe, who was 60 years old at the time, sported an impressive muscular body. For his role as the main character in the subsequent movie, it was necessary for him to develop a more robust physique as well.

In the second installment, set some time later than the initial storyline, we find ourselves in Numidia, a part of northern Africa, where Lucius, the son of Lucilla from the previous tale, now resides.

The movie chronicles Lucius’ journey back to Rome from Numidia as a grown man, where he meets up with his mother again and faces conflicts in the process.

Irish actor Paul Mescal reveals the vice he refused to give up while training for his role on Gladiator 'I was petrified they were going to take it away'

This year, clips of Paul performing his Gladiator-style workout routine became popular on TikTok, particularly one where he was seen lifting dumbbells for shoulder exercises continuously for about 23 seconds.

During an interview with Capital FM, Paul commended his exceptional mentor for assisting him in sculpting his body for the movie, along with a group of dietitians who advised him on when and what to consume.

In a nod to his supporters admiring his latest physique, Paul remarked: ‘I was fortunate enough to have the top-notch trainer globally, a well-equipped studio, and a dedicated production team behind me during this process…’

To convince your viewers that the character can endure intense, ongoing violence throughout the movie, you’ll need to create a compelling portrayal of resilience.

‘And you’re not going to survive that as someone whose running around Hackney.’ 

Irish actor Paul Mescal reveals the vice he refused to give up while training for his role on Gladiator 'I was petrified they were going to take it away'

At the same time, he shared with Entertainment Tonight that his training sessions with Tim frequently consisted of doing squats and lifting heavy weights.

During the filming process, the main actor asserted that he was advised to stop running several months prior – since the production team was more concerned with building his muscular physique instead.

He said during a video interview with ET: ‘The closer we got to filming, I was allowed to run again!’ 

Over the last four years, Paul has often been seen actively jogging throughout London on numerous occasions.

On top of this, the star previously revealed that he loves going on walks too and is a keen boxer.

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2024-10-31 12:49

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