Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
No amount of talent, storyline, money, or fame can guarantee the success of a film. This is a simple truth universally acknowledged in the film industry. But Paul Mescal seems to be betting on just that as he gears up for the release of his first ‘big film,’ which could either make or delay his meteoric rise to fame, to say the least.
The star ofGladiator 2, the film has some big shoes to fill, given the time it took to make and the talent involved. And Mescal is hoping it does so and more, for according to him, a lot is at stake here than just box office numbers.
Paul Mescal HopesGladiator 2is a Success for the Sake of the Box Office
The stunning, tall, blue-eyed IrishmanPaul Mescalfirst rose to fame in 2020, with his role in the miniseriesNormal People. Since then, his rise to fame has been a one-way street with projects likeAll of Us StrangersandAftersuntaking him at the forefront of the spotlight.
However, the real test of his fan power would be the upcoming flick,Gladiator 2, the sequel to a film that many believe to be one of the greatest historical fiction films ever to have been made. Helmed byRidley Scottandhaving a powerhouse of a supporting castlikeDenzel WashingtonandPedro Pascal, the real responsibility lies on Mescal.
Denzel Washington “Hit vs Flop” Ratio: Is Gladiator 2 Going To Be His Highest-Grossing Film Ever?
Starring as Lucius, the son of Maximus and the former heir to the Roman Empire, Mescal will experience the real taste of success or failure when the historical drama epic finally releases. And he sincerely hopes it is the former, not just for his sake but for the sake of the box office as well.
I do feel the pressure, and I do feel the desire for this to make money. The box office needs a shot in the arm, and if films like ‘Gladiator II’ aren’t doing it, it would be concerning. So I do feel a responsibility.
States Mescal in a new interview withVariety. While theFoestar is not wrong, the film must rather perform better for its own sake given its massive budget of $250 million-plus. For the film to be a success, it will need to gross more than $600 million, a figure that even ‘box-office’ dominating superhero flicks have been struggling to make.
Paul Mescal’sNormal PeopleLanded HimGladiator 2
While making a film likeGladiator 2, one would think it would be wiser to cast an actor in the lead who has a proven box office track record, a loyal fan base, as well as the power to draw in audiences to the theatres. Yet, Ridley Scott decided to cast Paul Mescal, a relatively lesser-known figure when compared to several of his contemporaries.
Gladiator II Review — Entertaining Sequel Trades Gritty Brutality for Silly Spectacle
AlthoughMescal’s ‘Roman-esque’ looks, charm, and those alluring blue eyescertainly make him a delightful choice (not to mention his acting genius!), it was his role inNormal Peoplethat caught the fancy of Scott.
The leading guy immediately caught my attention. From then on he was in the forefront of my mind.
States the cinematic legend to Variety, while comparing his new lead to stalwarts like Richard Harris. However, Scott wasn’t the only one pinning for him, for Paramount too had his eyes on him. Before he knew it, Paul Mescal was cast as Lucius, that too without an audition.
Given how the role was ‘made’ for him in a way, the film’s legacy, the sky-high fan expectations, and an even towering budget, we hopeGladiator 2is as much of a great film as Paul Mescal thinks it is and more.
Gladiatorwill be in theatres on July 18, 2025.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
