It seems like there is no stopping Paul Mescal, not even a rumoured heartbreak, as it’s been reported the actor has signed up for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel – and his potential role is anything but small.
The Oscar-nominated Maynooth man is apparently finalising a deal to play Lucius, son of Russell Crowe’s love interest Lucilla, who was played by Connie Nielson in the original Oscar-winning flick.
While nothing has been confirmed, Deadline reports that the studio behind the mammoth Hollywood movie, Paramount, believes they have found their man and the film has now even got a release date.
It’s understood that if he secures the role he will have beaten out a bunch of other massive industry names such as Miles Teller, Austin Butler and Richard Madden.
Paul in a sleeveless leather amour? Sign us up! On a more serious note, the director of the first film, Ridley, confirmed to Deadline in 2021 that a script had been written.
He branded the direction of the new film a ‘good logical place to go,’ and that ‘there are enough components from the first one to pick up the ball and continue it.’
The director also announced that the follow-up to the legendary film will have a 2024 release date, with Paramount Picture confirming that it will be a November 22nd debut.
Gladiator could potentially be the next big move in Paul’s skyrocketing career and pay off for the actor as the first film earned a massive 12 Academy Award nominations back in 2000, winning five including best actor and best picture.
The 26-year-old actor has been on a steady rise to fame since starring in the Sally Rooney novel adaptation of Normal People, a series that people across the world binge-watched during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
He has since starred in movies including Aftersun, where his performance was universally praised, and The Lost Daughter. In this film, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, he worked with Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson. Now he’s even up for an Oscar!
Though Paul reportedly split from his rumoured fiancé Phoebe Bridgers recently, he’s not stopped to wallow in his heartbreak.
Phoebe fuelled rumours that the pair had gone their separate ways when, just before Christmas, she was spotted getting close to director Bo Burnham at a comedy show in New York.
It’s been a rollercoaster time for the family as just as Paul received his Oscar nomination, their mother Dearbhla was preparing for her first round of chemotherapy.
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