In a new cover story for VARIETY, actor Paul Mescal speaks with London Bureau Chief Alex Ritman about “Gladiator II,” short shorts, Denzel Washington, the SAG-AFTRA strike, “The History of Sound,” indie movies, and more.
On the increase in men wearing short shorts, which he is often seen in: “For the record, I don’t think I’m responsible.”
On his hopes for “Gladiator II” to be a success: “I do feel the pressure, and I do feel the desire for this to make money. The box office needs a shot in the arm, and if films like ‘Gladiator II’ aren’t doing it, it would be concerning. So I do feel a responsibility.”
On watching the first “Gladiator” film when he was 13: “I was at home with my dad. I feel like for a lot of dads it was a big film, like, ‘Come on, son, let’s watch ‘Gladiator’!”
On working with Denzel Washington for “Gladiator II”: “Holy fuck, I’m in a scene with Denzel! It could have been overwhelming, but I kind of set out in my head that I’m totally entitled to admire this man and see him as an idol, but I’ve got to protect myself from that when we’re working together. I’ve got to treat Denzel as I would any other actor.”
On the SAG-AFTRA strike, which hit five weeks before “Gladiator II” was slated to wrap: “I’m now incredibly glad we did go on strike in terms of what it means for the industry. But at the time, you’re just trying to see the woods for the trees, and you’re like, ‘Fuck, five weeks to go.’”
On his personal life: “The only power I have is to simply not talk about it.
On indie films: “The center of my career is independent films, and everything else comes as a result. But that’s where I will return.”
On the upcoming “The History of Sound”: “Of all the scripts I’ve ever read, that’s the one that broke my heart the most.”
On why he chose “Gladiator II” over other blockbuster opportunities: “It was really just Ridley and ‘Gladiator,’ and I felt like I was ripe for this kind of big film. I played sports growing up; I know what it is to throw myself around. I look Roman. All of those things. And it’s Ridley Scott!”
[Photo Credit: Mason Poole for Variety Magazine]
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