Ridley Scott has shed light on the distinct approaches of Russell Crowe and Paul Mescal, the lead actors in the upcoming Gladiator II film. While Crowe played Maximus Decimus Meridius in the original 2000 film, Mescal takes on the role of Lucius Verus, son of Maximus.
According to Scott, Mescal’s theatrical background shines through in his portrayal of Lucius, who battles for Colosseum supremacy like his late father. However, Crowe and Mescal approached their characters differently, with Mescal bringing a distinct flair to the role.
Scott recently discussed this in an interview, stating that while both actors have strong performances, Mescal’s theatrical background is evident in his portrayal of Lucius. The director also revealed that Scott and Mescal didn’t consult Crowe before preparing for the sequel, citing the story’s simplicity as the reason.
The film follows 25 years after the original, with Lucius now a gladiator under the training of Macrinus (Denzel Washington). With a star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn, Gladiator II is set to open in theaters on November 22.
Source: https://www.cbr.com/ridley-scott-russell-crowe-paul-mescal-gladiator