Paul Mescal Reveals Ridley Scott's Brutal Advice on the Set of 'Gladiator 2'

When Paul Mescal started working on Gladiator 2, he didn’t realize the scale of the production until the cameras started rolling. What struck him and left him speechless on the very first day was the sheer number of extras and special artists on set, with fires burning around, as he told Total Film.

Of course, he received some words of encouragement from the great Ridley Scott before filming began:

Nothing like some positive reinforcement! But Paul took it in stride, saying it was the “perfect thing to say because it’s so liberating. He’s totally right.”

The movie will follow Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Maximus, Russell Crowe’s character from Gladiator. Lucius lives with his wife and child in Numidia, with no connection to his mother. Enter Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, who kills Lucius’ wife and forces him into slavery. What follows is Lucius becoming a gladiator and seeking revenge against Marcus Acacius.

Gladiator 2 is set to be released on November 15, so make sure to get your tickets in time—we hear theaters will be packed! And did you know that Ridley Scott already has an idea for Gladiator 3?