The Normal People star is set to play Lucius Verus – a character that appeared in the original Gladiator movie starring Russell Crowe in the year 2000, but was played by a different actor
Paul Mescal is trying to get into the best shape of his life to take on the leading role in the upcoming sequel to Gladiator – but has confessed he’s refusing to quit booze and cigarettes while preparing for the role.
The 27-year-old Irish actor is following in the footsteps of Russell Crowe to take on the lead role in the sequel to the 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott. The original film was a critical and commercial smash – raking in almost £400 million at the box office and winning praise from cinema goers.
The sequel will see Paul play Lucius Verus, the nephew of villainous Commodus, who was played by Joaquin Phoenix in the original film, and was played in the original film by American actor Spencer Treat Clark. And while the Normal People actor is working out to get in shape for the role, he is not abandoning his vices.
Paul says he is working with a Personal Trainer, but was very clear he wouldn’t be giving up alcohol or cigarettes while they were training. He told Esquire: “I set the tone early. I smoke and drink and that’s not going to change.