Gladiator 2’s Connie Nielsen on how Paul Mescal brings “deeper story” than Russell Crowe

Gladiator 2’s Connie Nielsen on how Paul Mescal brings “deeper story” than Russell Crowe

As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about a Gladiator sequel without Russell Crowe. However, after watching Paul Mescal’s performance as Lucius, I find myself pleasantly surprised. His portrayal of the character is not just a carbon copy of Maximus, but rather a unique take on a different individual who has faced his own hardships and survived.


In the year 2000, the first Gladiator film was released, featuring Russell Crowe in an outstanding portrayal of the main character Maximus. Many consider this role as one of the best lead performances in any blockbuster movie from the 21st century.

In the end, Crowe received the Best Actor award for his exceptional performance, and the line “Are you not entertained?” he delivered has since become iconic in cinema lore. However, due to the events at the film’s conclusion, it turned out that Crowe couldn’t reprise his role for Ridley Scott’s subsequent sequel.

In contrast, it’s Paul Mescal, renowned for his roles in “Normal People” and “Aftersun”, who takes the principal part in Gladiator 2, set to premiere in UK cinemas tomorrow (15th November).

In the new installment of the movie, he assumes the role of Lucius – previously portrayed as a youngster in the initial film by Spencer Treat Clark. Now, Lucius is back in Rome, embarking on a journey driven by his thirst for retribution.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself drawn to characters who embody resilience and determination – much like our protagonist here. He’s not just a fighter, he’s a relentless one, always rising despite the odds. There’s an undeniable underdog quality about him that Maximus, in my opinion, didn’t quite capture to the same extent.

She stated: “Maximus was indeed a general who ended up as a slave and a gladiator. However, unlike others, he’s been fighting for survival since he was ten years old. He had to adapt in order to survive, making him a unique character but no less heroic. His story is incredibly moving, emotionally stirring.

Gladiator 2’s Connie Nielsen on how Paul Mescal brings “deeper story” than Russell Crowe

Indeed, Nielsen portrays Lucilla, Lucius’s mother, in the film, and they have several pivotal moments together throughout the movie as they reconnect after a 16-year separation.

Remarkably, Nielsen mentioned that before filming the relevant scenes depicting their relationship as a mother and child, neither she nor Mescal discussed them prior.

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2024-11-14 18:33