While everyone is currently talking about Paul Mescal’s new movie Foe, there’s actually another role that has preoccupied the Irish actor’s mind as of late.
Yes, Paul will star in the upcoming sequel to Ridley Scott’s original epic Gladiator movie, and as exciting as that is, the Oscar-nominated actor has recently shared the anxiety that comes with taking on such a major role.
Paul will reportedly play the lead character of Lucius, the grown-up son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen, who starred in the 2000 film.
Speaking to Esquire UK, Paul admitted: “I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done.”
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“I feel really excited but it’s difficult to get away from the legacy of the film a bit.
“I think it’s really well written and it pays homage to the first one, but it’s very much something that I think I can step into and make comfortably my own.”
Not only is Paul nervous about releasing the film to the world but he also opened up about his dealings with on-set anxiety, adding: “It’s the worst feeling!”
“You fly to a new country and figure out who’s there, and then you panic in your bedroom about being social, and then you kind of let that go.
“I tend to hang out by myself for a bit until I get my feet on the ground with the work itself.”
Adding: “I think that’s the best way to do it, rather than force intimacy that doesn’t exist yet.
The film, which hasn’t been given an official title as of yet is set for a 2024 release.
The Last Of Us star Pedro Pascal, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn and actress Nielsen are also all reported to be among the cast for the second Gladiator instalment.
