Paul Mescal discussed his experience working with Denzel Washington on ‘Gladiator II’ in a recent interview with GQ magazine, ahead of the film’s release on November 22. He admitted he felt intimidated by the ‘Safe House’ star during their scenes together.
“I built it up in my head,” the actor shared. “I was like, ‘Okay, today’s the day that Denzel’s going to be on set.’ And I was so incapacitated by it that I suddenly was like, ‘This is so f*cking stupid. I have a job to do.’”
Washington had an easier experience with Mescal, though. He told the outlet, “[Mescal] knows what he’s doing, he knows how to do it. It’s easy to work off of him because he’s giving you something. There’s a quiet dignity and a strength and intelligence that he has, even just when he’s standing there.”
‘Gladiator II’ features Paul Mescal as Lucius, the adult son of Lucilla and the late Maximus. The film begins with Lucius living in Numidia, a region that was beyond the control of the Roman Empire during his childhood. Then, after an attack, he returns to Rome to face new challenges and reconnect with his mother.
On another note, director Ridley Scott already looks ahead to ‘Gladiator III,’ as he works on a new script, which he mentioned in a recent interview with Total Film.