Timothée Chalamet Was Supposed to Star in 'Gladiator 2' but Then This Happened...
You heard it right—Timothée Chalamet was originally considered for the lead role in Gladiator 2, but the film’s director ultimately decided to take a different route.
Ridley Scott recently shared an intriguing detail about the casting process for his upcoming Gladiator 2. According to the legendary director, Timothée Chalamet was considered for the role of Lucius, the protagonist in the sequel. Scott disclosed this in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
However, the director ultimately changed his mind after seeing Paul Mescal’s performance in the critically acclaimed 2020 series Normal People. While Scott was convinced by Mescal’s talent, some producers and studio executives initially hesitated. They had concerns about casting Mescal, as they preferred a more recognizable star for the lead role.
Despite the initial doubts, Mescal secured the part, and the collaboration with Scott has already paved the way for future projects. The actor is set to star in another of the director’s films, Dog Stars.
Scott’s decision to back Mescal highlights his eye for emerging talent and his ability to elevate actors into household names. With Gladiator 2 and Dog Stars, this pairing could become one of the most exciting director-actor collaborations in recent years.