The Normal People star is believed to starring in Gladiator as Connie Nielsen's son.
Paul Mescal has been a fan favourite since his appearance on the popular Normal People tv show. He is now in talks to star in Ridley Scott's sequel to the 2000 Oscar-Winning Gladiator. Ridley Scott confirmed that a script had been written in 2021 stating that there was more than enough to continue. It's a belated sequel, but I am glad that the super-talented Paul will be hitting our screens again - this time in a blockbuster.
The 26-year-old actor will play the role of Lucilla's son, Lucius. Lucilla is played by Connie Nielson in the original 2000 film. Gladiator was a massive hit when it came out, making $ 460 million worldwide and also making Russel Crowe a household name, perhaps the same will happen to Paul Mescal. It won a total of five Oscars which included the best actor award and best picture. It's safe to say it has big boots to fill.
In fact, a sequel was in talks all the back in 2001 but it just didn't happen. Apparently, Crowe wanted to return but his character died (spoiler alert). Nick Cave was also hired to write the second script, but it was scrapped. I think we can all agree that Crowe's character couldn't make some weird magical return, right?
Back in 2021, Scott thrilled us all by announcing that Lucius would be the star of the sequel. Paul Mescal is set to be Lucius.
This is exciting news for the Normal People star. Mescal played alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones in the Sally Rooney adaption. It was a massive hit and is still a favourite amongst book and tv-lovers alike. Mescal then starred in God's Creatures and Aftersun. He has also been a favourite on stage, too - recently playing Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Paul Mescal has been having a busy few years, he is also set to star in the sci-fi thriller Foe and the drama Strangers. Personally, I can't wait to watch all of these and see him in Gladiators, too.
What do you think of this casting? Would Paul Mescal make a good Gladiator character?
Find more news here.
