Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal: From Zoom Calls to Gladiator Gains with a Side of Fun!

Discover how Irish actor Paul Mescal blended work and play while training for Gladiator II—spoiler, he didn't cut his vices!

Paul Mescal, the Irish heartthrob we all know from *Normal People* and the critically acclaimed *Aftersun*, is gearing up to take the silver screen by storm in *Gladiator II*. In a recent interview, he charmingly described his training for the role as "fun"—a refreshing take considering many actors go through grueling regimes. Instead of chastising himself for enjoying life, Mescal made the intriguing choice to keep his two favorite vices: drinking alcohol and enjoying life outside the gym. It seems fitness for him is all about balance!

What’s even more remarkable is how Mescal landed the role in the first place. The casting happened after a simple 30-minute Zoom call, proving once again that Irish luck is indeed a thing (and possibly aided by his undeniable charm). He is set to star alongside heavyweight actors like Denzel Washington in this highly anticipated sequel directed by Ridley Scott. Imagine the vibe on that Zoom call—was it all business, or was there a bit of banter about Gladiator quotes?

To prepare for the legendary role of Lucius, Mescal dedicated himself to an epic training routine. He had a trainer by his side every day, mastering the art of lifting heavy things and munching on an impressive amount of chicken. The transformation from everyday man to gladiator was no small feat, and fans were left stunned by his incredible physique when first glimpsed in a trailer. Not just a pretty face, Mescal is crafting his on-screen legacy with each role that comes his way!

In an unexpected twist, he also expressed the difficulties he faced with the massive scale of the set. "So hard to fathom" is how he described it—almost as hard as resisting a good pint in a pub! As always, Mescal retains that humble, approachable quality, solidifying his place in the hearts of fans around the world.

Fun fact: *Gladiator II* is not only a sequel to the Oscar-winning original, but it's been reported to have an even larger budget than its predecessor! And if you're wondering what sets the two films apart, remember that Mescal's character, Lucius, directly ties into the storyline from the first film, as he’s the son of Lucilla, played by the iconic Connie Nielsen. Talk about a family affair in the gladiatorial arena!