New Delhi-based Irish star Paul Mescal, who broke into the big arena with his lead role in “Gladiator II” after his breakthrough performances in “Normal People” and “Aftersun,” says he felt a sense of relief when he realized the nature of the game was different. Directed by Ridley Scott, his work remained the same despite its scale.

The 28-year-old actor admits he initially struggled to grasp the film, Scott’s ambitious follow-up to the 2000 classic that won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for lead actor Russell Crowe.

“It was a harder thing to get my head around during the preparation phase. But once we got to work, once the camera started rolling and we got on the set, obviously the scale of the sets became much bigger, so I thought, ‘Oh, my job as an actor is,” Mescal told PTI in a virtual interview from London. ‘Exactly the same,’ I said.

“So that was such a relief to me because I didn’t know if it was going to be true or not,” the actor said.

Mescal said that for him, “Gladiator II” is “a different kind of movie.”

“Every movie I make has the same importance. I don’t think you should step on set unless that moment is the most important part of your life. So making a movie for $3 million versus a movie costing more than $200 million requires the same energy.”

He stars in the film alongside cinema veterans such as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger complete the film’s cast.

Scott is also one of Hollywood’s biggest and most prolific, with hits such as “Blade Runner,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “American Gangster,” “The Martian” and “The Martian.” He is counted among its directors. “Napoleon” will get the credit.

When asked about his experience working with two Hollywood titans, Scott and Washington, Mescal said it was both “challenging and inspiring.”

“What I find so inspiring about this is that both of these guys have been there and done that. They’ve reached the heights of the industry, which I admire, and there’s no loss of appetite or work ethic in them. And I feel like I can own a piece of their career when I’m their age, for that matter.” I’ll bite your hand,” the actor said.

Mescal plays the role of Lucius, the young boy heir to the throne in the original “Gladiator” who is revealed to be the son of Maximus and Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen in Scott’s return to swords and sandals. epic.

Exiled at a young age, Lucius raises a family in Numidia, a Roman province on the coast of North Africa, but when it is occupied by the Roman empire, he becomes a gladiator in the Colosseum in the hope of one day avenging his family. murder.

“He has an innate hatred for what Rome represents because it’s a personal thing. He feels abandoned by his mother and now Rome is coming for his new family. So he has a clear idea of ​​what Rome means to him.” said the actor.

Mescal said Scott gave him free rein to develop the character in the highly anticipated sequel.

“The Lucius we see in the first movie is very different from the Lucius because he’s 20 years older than him. It’s like he’s just a kid in the first movie. I felt like I had carte blanche to reimagine him.”

What was fascinating for Mescal, who became a critical favorite for his portrayals of highly emotional and complex men in the miniseries “Normal People” as well as the indie hits “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers,” was finding Lucius. to be “equally vulnerable” like his previous characters.

“He has a tougher exterior because of the world he lives in. For example, Connell cannot afford to live the way Callum or Harry live because the world is different.

“But ultimately, the biggest thing that sticks out to me on a human level is that he is so deeply hurt by his wife’s death, which leaves him incredibly vulnerable and feeling like his mother is neglecting him… He puts on that tough exterior to protect himself,” he said.

“Gladiator II” will be released in India on November 15 by Paramount Pictures India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in 4DX and IMAX format.

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