Paul Mescal admits he is ‘feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money’ as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot

Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot

As a dedicated follower of the dynamic world of cinema, I find myself utterly enthralled by Paul Mescal’s journey and his latest venture, Gladiator II. With a rich background that includes the captivating BBC series Normal People, it is no surprise to see him taking on such an epic role.


Paul Mescal has confessed that he’s experiencing the weight of expectations for his upcoming movie, Gladiator II, to become a major box office success.

In the sequel, Gladiator II narrates the story of Lucius Verus, once a prospective emperor, who finds himself enslaved. Through his struggles, he’s compelled to engage in combat within the Colosseum as part of a plan to reclaim the Roman Empire’s prestige.

In a recent chat with Variety, the 28-year-old Paul discussed the movie that had its debut in London on Wednesday. He also shared his fondness for short shorts and subtly mentioned potential collaboration with his Normal People colleague, Daisy Edgar-Jones.

He expressed that he indeed senses both the pressure and the urge for success, as the box office requires a boost, and if movies such as Gladiator II aren’t delivering, it’s worrisome. Consequently, he feels a sense of duty or obligation.

Initial assessments by film critics have lauded Gladiator II as the “standout film of the year” and a “genuine epic,” praising the exceptional acting of Paul and Denzel Washington in the process.

Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot

Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot
Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot

The film is scheduled to be released in the UK on Friday, November 15.  

Paul explained that at the closing moments of the movie, an exhausted Lucius climbs onto a horse in chase of Macrinus.

The actor had spent numerous months meticulously preparing for the action sequence and other stunts, but Director Ridley Scott ultimately decided to alter the scene.

Two weeks prior to the incident, Ridley reportedly said to Paul, “You’re definitely not going to do it,” to which Paul replied, “What in the world are you talking about?” This led to a disagreement between them.

Ridley had decided to cut the scene due to some equine advice he had received on another movie  

Paul commented on the argument: “I kept bothering him incessantly. And just a day prior, he said, ‘Alright, you can perform the stunt, but if you fall, it’ll cost you two Bentleys.’

He eventually pulled the move off in just a couple of takes. 

In a striking display, the actor, after rigorously following a demanding diet and workout routine to achieve his physique for the Gladiator role, casually unbuttoned his shirt for a single photograph, revealing his chiseled, muscular figure.

For another look, Paul rocked a yellow cardigan and pale blue silk shirt.  

Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot
Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot
Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot
Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot
Paul Mescal admits he is 'feeling the pressure for Gladiator II to make money' as he talks short shorts, hints about working with Daisy Edgar-Jones and smoulders in photoshoot

The actor is known for his sense of style and is known to wear short-shorts on his runs. 

Paul made waves at Men’s Fashion Week when he wore some for Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci show. 

He said of the sudden fluctuation in men wearing short shorts: ‘For the record, I don’t think I’m responsible’. 

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to my bones with the idea that Paul himself has subtly suggested a potential reunion with Daisy, my beloved co-star from Normal People, in the not-so-distant future!

In 2020, the actor featured alongside a 26-year-old named Daisy in a BBC series, and since then, they’ve maintained a close friendship.

He mentioned, even with his hectic forthcoming plans: ‘We’re casually considering various possibilities about what our next step might be.’

In May, the duo issued an apology for creating confusion when they subtly hinted that they had some important news to disclose.

Initially, enthusiasts of the BBC series were hopeful for a follow-up, but later learned that the cast wouldn’t be coming together for another season, causing great disappointment among many viewers.

Instead, it turned out that Daisy and Paul were planning a marathon viewing of Normal People’s first season as a means to gather funds for Unicef and the suicide prevention charity Pieta.

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2024-11-14 17:32

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