Paul Mescal, known for his roles in Hollywood hits like “Normal People,” “Aftersun,” “All of Us Strangers,” and “Foe,” has opened up about his apprehensions regarding the upcoming movie “Gladiator 2.” During a recent interview with The Times UK, the actor expressed uncertainty about how global attention following the Ridley Scott-directed sequel might affect his life.
Mescal candidly shared his concerns, stating, “I don’t know what the difference will be. Maybe that’s naive? Is it just that more people will stop you in the street? I’d get profoundly depressed if that’s so and hope it isn’t true. I’ll have an answer next year, but if [the film] impacts my life in that way, I’ll be in a bad spot. I’d have to move on and do an obtuse play nobody wants to see.”
Known for his dedication to the craft, Mescal emphasized his commitment to acting and expressed unease about the influence of social media and follower counts in casting decisions. He questioned the purpose, saying, “What are we doing this for? It scares me greatly. Acting should never be reduced to numbers of Instagram followers.”
He elaborated, stating, “In recent years, there’s been a tendency to refer to films and TV shows as ‘content.’ I find that term rather derogatory. It’s not merely ‘content’; it’s the arduous labor of creation. I’m not trying to sound elitist, but there are two parallel industries at play here. One prioritizes quantity over care and artistic integrity, catering to the influence of Instagram followers and the like. The other upholds the traditional values of filmmaking, encompassing direction, lighting, and production design, which truly sustains artists. Audiences crave meaningful challenges.”
Mescal will be seen alongside Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen in “Gladiator 2,” scheduled to hit theaters on November 22
.Despite the anticipation, he admitted feeling the pressure due to the film’s legacy, but he believes in the script’s quality and its potential to allow him to make the role his own.
