Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is being hailed as one of the director’s best works in years. Part 2 revisits the high-stakes world of ancient Rome with a new generation of characters while maintaining the spirit of the Oscar-winning original.
Academy Award winner Denzel Washington He plays Macrinus, a wealthy, power-hungry arms dealer. Paul Mescal He plays Lucius, the son of Maximus played by Russell Crowe in the original film, who is now under the control of Macrinus. Connie Nielsen returns to her role as Lucilla, mother of Lucius and daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
“It’s about bloodline, it’s about legacy. It’s about all of those things,” Mescal said. “Gladiator II is about what’s left after Gladiator I. So, you have to acknowledge the spirit of it.”
Washington confidently stated that the sequel has its own feel compared to its 24-year-old predecessor.
“The second wrestler is the second wrestler,” Washington said. “It stands on its own.”
Mescal admitted that he felt nervous about taking on the role and fighting imposter syndrome. But he remained focused on the film’s legacy.
“We have a movie to make. We have a legacy to uphold in this movie. I have people I admire,” Mescal said.
Working with Ridley Scott
Washington praised director Scott’s ability to bring the authentic and immersive world of ancient Rome to life.
“He made our job easy,” Washington said. “He built Rome. So all we had to do was set up, you know, hit the accent if you wanted to — or not — and we did.”
Mescal shared a memorable moment from filming in Morocco where he saw different techniques Scott used to get the actors into character.
“What (Scott) set up is eight cameras, and all the cameramen are in costume so you can’t really see them. I was like, ‘If I can’t act in this environment, it’s game over,'” Mescal said.
Nielsen described Scott’s directorial style as dynamic and constantly evolving.
“Everything is alive with him at all times. Everything is changing,” she said. “He wants you to stir up those things when you walk in there.” He doesn’t want you to sit down and talk about it two weeks ago. He wants you to bring him to the set, try this, try that.
“He’s a master at what he does. I’m pretty good at what I do, too. So, there’s an understanding and a freedom,” Washington said. “Sometimes I set him up, and sometimes he sets me up. “It’s inspiring.”
“Gladiator II” It opens in theaters on November 22.
