Paul Mescal unrecognisable in Gladiator 2 as trailer gets official release date
Gladiator fans, brace yourselves!
Paul Mescal is stepping into the arena, and Paramount Pictures has just announced that the trailer for Gladiator 2 will drop tomorrow. The excitement is palpable on their Instagram page where they teased followers with a sneak peek: "Prepare to be entertained. Trailer for #GladiatorII debuts TOMORROW."
A first-look poster was also shared, showcasing the 28 year old Irish heartthrob ready for battle, kneeling in the dusty arena, clad in his gladiator gear. Although his gaze is hidden, the anticipation in the roaring crowd behind him is clear.
Fans are losing it in the comments, with one saying: "We are so sat. The theatre employees keep telling us to leave, it's not November yet but we are sat," reports the Daily Star. Another chimed in with high hopes for an Oscar nod: "Another Irish actor on the top step for the Oscars. I will be there no matter what."
The hype doesn't stop there, as another fan apologised in advance for their impending obsession: "Apologies in advance for the person I'll become after this comes out."
One admirer praised the poster's allure: "They know what they doing w this poster @paramountpics," accompanied by flames of approval.
And the enthusiasm is a family affair for one commenter: "YAAAAY SO EXCITED. My parents are huge fans of this franchise, can't wait to watch together, specially having my fav actor in it @josephquinn."
The film, which also stars Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielson, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, is directed by Ridley Scott. It picks up years after the original film, following the death of Maximus Decimus Meridius (played by Russell Crowe), who sacrificed his life to overthrow the Roman empire's leadership.
Paul takes on the role of an adult Lucius, the son of Maximus and his wife Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen). The original film, released in 2000, was a box office hit, raking in $465.4million worldwide and becoming the second highest-grossing film of that year, just behind Mission: Impossible 2.
The film was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, with praise for its acting, direction, cinematography, production design and musical score. It bagged five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Costume Design and Best Actor for Russell.
