How did Paul Mescal steal the spotlight at the Australian ‘Gladiator II’ premiere?

Paul Mescal made a stylish entrance at the Australian premiere of *Gladiator II* in Sydney on October 30. The actor showcased his suave demeanor in a double-breasted coffee brown suit, complemented by a white shirt casually unbuttoned at the collar. With one hand casually placed in his pocket, Mescal exuded effortless chic as he posed for photos on the red carpet.

The 28-year-old actor was not alone at the premiere, as he was joined by his co-stars Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger, along with producer Michael Pruss. The event marked another stop in Mescal’s promotional tour for *Gladiator II*, which is set to hit theaters on November 22. Recently, he has attended screenings in New York City and made an appearance on a talk show in the U.K. alongside co-star Denzel Washington.

Preparation for the role

Mescal, who plays Lucius Verus in the film, opened up about his intense training regimen during an episode of the BBC’s *The Graham Norton Show*. He humorously shared that despite undergoing a physical transformation, he refused to give up his love for drinking and smoking. His trainer, he explained, was very focused on pushing him to reach his potential. Mescal described the training as a fun experience, where he embraced a high-protein diet while lifting weights.

In a candid moment, Mescal revealed how starstruck he felt upon meeting Denzel Washington on set. He recalled feeling a mix of excitement and intimidation on his first day, admitting that he hesitated to introduce himself. However, he decided to muster the courage the following day, demonstrating the impact the legendary actor had on him.

Plot overview

Gladiator II is set two decades after the original film, where Mescal’s character, the son of Maximus, finds himself enslaved and fighting as a gladiator to regain his freedom. The film also features a talented cast, including Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Derek Jacobi.