Paul Mescal is feeling 'pressure' for Gladiator II to succeed

The 28-year-old Irish actor has the leading role in the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's 2000 original, Gladiator. But the film has been savaged by some critics following advanced screenings and Mescal feels the film has to succeed at the box office. He told Variety: "I do feel the pressure, and I do feel the desire for this to make money. The box office needs a shot in the arm, and if films like Gladiator II aren't doing it, it would be concerning. So I do feel a responsibility."