Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal go head to head in the arena in the long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel.
Paul MescalandPedro Pascalare entering the arena for the year’s hotly anticipatedGladiatorsequel,Gladiator II.
Are you not entertained?!
Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
“He represents everything that I hate about the Roman Empire,” Mescal says of Acacius.
Pascal explains that Rome was in the process of expanding by conquering more territories like Numidia.
“They’re consuming what they can and for what?
Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
Just to gain more and more power,” Pascal says.
Right on cue, Pascal jokes with faux dramaticism, “He’s so misunderstood.
His character misunderstands my character just like Paul misunderstands me.”
Pedro Pascal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
It’s a weird thing, he says.
First off, I wouldn’t have been able to do it, he admits.
I thought to myself, ‘I don’t give a s— what it is.
Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
“I am really excited for everyone to see Paul.
I think people are going to love it.”
“That’s very kind,” Mescal replies.
Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
“It’s like you’re the person whose turn it is now.
Your nerves are actually a waste of time and energy and resources and everything.
I’m not talking about financial resources.
Pedro Pascal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
I mean artistic resources.
“Lucius is the better fighter?
Do you want us to fight?
Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
Lucius is the better fighter than the general of Rome, who survived decades and conquered all?
he asks Mescal before adding sarcastically to EW, “Kids, ya know?
I love ‘em!”
Pedro Pascal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
“Ok, let me actually go back on my answer,” Mescal concedes.
“I think Acaciusmightbeat Lucius.
I think it’s up for debate, let’s just say that.”
Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
Pascal found these two connections to the originalGladiatorhelpful in crafting his character.
And he’s also a very committed partner to [Lucilla], who is the real deserved leader.
So I knew that the character that I was going to be playing was going to be the protagonist.
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
I’m looking down from up there.
And a lot of work has been really physical, and it really takes its toll.
Elder abuse, we call it.
Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
A watch party
Some actors refuse to watch their own work, but not Mescal.
However, he says he “totally understands the impulse of actors not wanting to watch” their films.
Entertainment factor
Pascal cites Crowe’s famous “Are you not entertained?!”
Pedro Pascal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
line from the original film when asked what he hopes audiences get out of the sequel.
“Just that, the divine experience of entertainment.
“And no one better than Ridley and this cast to do it.”
Paul Mescal photographed exclusively for EW on September 15, 2024 in London.Charlotte Ellis
And I’m grateful for that because I knowthatterritory.
And if that remained consistent, I knew that the scale doesn’t matter as much.
And I learned that I could do it.
Read ourfull cover story onGladiator II, in theaters Nov. 22.
