How a Zoom call landed Paul lead role in 'Gladiator II'

Actor talks becoming Lucius for Ridley Scott's sequel

Paul Mescal's new interview with Graham Norton has some surprising insights in store for fans sitting in anticipation for his new film. As per BBC, the Gladiator II actor shared how he was casted for his lead role, revealing that there were no formal auditions, just a Zoom call and an easy chat with director Ridley Scott.

"Ridley does not waste time," Paul reportedly remarked. "I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we Zoomed for half an hour, spoke for 10 minutes about the part and then 20 minutes about Gaelic football, his dog, and his wife," he added.

"I thought there would be more, but he called a few weeks later to offer me the part," the 28-year-old actor informed. "I think he just goes by instinct, on set and off, and I'm very glad that's the way it went."

Given Paul's proven flair for the craft in award-winning projects such as Normal People and Aftersun, it is hardly surprising that he left a lasting impression on the director. It should be noted that the Irish actor's performance as Connell Waldron earned him the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.

Another tidbit that he shared from the making process of Gladiator II was that despite having a trainer who "circled me like a shark", he refused to drop his habit of drinking and smoking, though he abided by all other rules to get in shape for Lucius. "I drew a line in the sand where those were concerned," he said.

Gladiator II is the sequel to the Oscar-acclaimed Gladiator (2000). The original follows the revenge-driven story of general-turned-slave Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), whose life is upended by the usurper Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). This leads Maximus on a journey to become a formidable gladiator in order to avenge his dead family and take down the cruel emperor.

The sequel is led by Paul Mescal as a grown-up Lucius Verus, who enters the deathly games in the footsteps of his late father Maximus to fight for the future of the empire. It also stars Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington as Acacius and Macrinus respectively.

Although the film is slated for a November 22 release, it was recently screened at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, allowing media representatives and film critics a first look, as per The Hollywood Reporter. It was able to secure its first set of reactions from attendees through this early reveal, garnering a variety of responses ranging from enthusiastic praises to expected comparisons with the original.