Paul Mescal Steps into the Spotlight in Gladiator II

On a midsummer evening in London’s Victoria Park, the sun is casting its final glow, illuminating the lush emerald lawn that stretches endlessly—a serene oasis amid the bustling city. But just as the atmosphere reaches its peak, raindrops begin to fall. Undeterred, Paul Mescal leads the way under the shelter of a sturdy tree, the air fragrant with petrichor as the downpour intensifies.

Mescal, the reigning king of modern heartthrobs, exudes a relaxed charisma as he settles onto the grass, embodying the essence of an Impressionist painting. At 28, he has rapidly established himself as one of the finest actors of his generation, acclaimed for his ability to portray characters who balance vulnerability with strength. His breakout role as Connell in Normal People showcased this talent, along with his portrayal of a lonely party boy in All of Us Strangers and a struggling father in Aftersun, the latter earning him an Oscar nomination at just 26.

Dressed in full-length jeans, a salmon Patagonia long-sleeve shirt, and black Adidas Sambas, Mescal radiates a casual yet striking presence. His soft mullet haircut and shaggy facial hair complement his heavy-lidded blue eyes and Roman nose. Sporting a small hoop earring—an homage to the character he’s about to portray, William Shakespeare—Mescal reflects on the humor of needing to pierce his other ear for accuracy.

While his on-screen roles often feature emotional depth, including heart-wrenching scenes of brooding and weeping, Mescal’s personality defies any stereotypical portrayal of a tortured artist. He maintains a genuine ease, not weighed down by fame or expectations. “He’s always exploring and trying to find the truth of every scene,” says Andrew Haigh, director of All of Us Strangers. “But he does it with a real ease.”

In contrast to his peers, Mescal possesses a natural comfort in his own skin. Daisy Edgar-Jones, his co-star and friend, attests to this, noting, “Paul’s always been really okay in his skin in a really wonderful way.” His openness and authenticity make him relatable, allowing audiences to connect with his characters’ emotional journeys.

Our conversation shifts from his past to his upcoming projects, particularly Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott. The original Gladiator is a nostalgic touchstone for many, and now Mescal is set to step into the arena as Lucius, the son of Lucilla. The role marks a significant departure from his previous work, thrusting him into a blockbuster setting with high stakes and physical demands.

Mescal recalls the thrill of being approached by Scott after expressing his admiration for the original film. “I first watched Gladiator with my dad when I was around 13,” he shares, reminiscing about the impactful viewing experience. His casting is a bold choice for Scott, who is known for selecting actors based on their physicality and presence rather than their prior experience at that scale. “I take that kind of chance,” Scott remarks, referencing his willingness to cast newcomers like Mescal.

As production ramps up, Mescal faces new challenges, including extensive physical preparation and rigorous stunt work. He jokes about the grueling conditions during filming in the heat of summer, clad in armor and fake tan, but recognizes that these trials add depth to his performance. “The fights were intense,” he admits, acknowledging the emotional weight of the film’s narrative.

Despite the film’s expansive battle sequences, Mescal emphasizes that the original Gladiator is also deeply emotional. The poignant score and atmospheric storytelling resonate with him, echoing the essence of what made the first film a classic. As he prepares for the film’s release, Mescal remains grounded in his craft, reflecting on the journey that has brought him to this moment.

In this transition from indie films to a blockbuster epic, Mescal maintains a keen awareness of the emotional core of his characters. He embodies a unique masculinity that is both solid and vulnerable, grounding audiences in the shared human experience. Whether on screen or in conversation, he remains a refreshing presence—unaffected, genuine, and deeply connected to the stories he tells.