Paul Mescal has reportedly been cast as the lead in Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel to his iconic flick Gladiator.
The Kildare actor, 26, is being touted to play the part of Lucius – the son of Russell Crowe’s famous hero Maximus Decimus Meridius’ lover Lucilla. Normal People star Mescal is in negotiations for the coveted role which would bring his biggest pay cheque to date, according to US showbiz site Deadline.
The original Gladiator film grossed $460million in box office sales and propelled Crowe to superstardom. There is huge hype around Gladiator 2, the sequel to the Oscar-winning movie released in 2000, with Scott returning to direct and produce on the project.
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Gladiator was nominated for 12 Oscars, and won five. The sequel will be set years after Maximus died in combat with Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the Colosseum. Deadline reports that acclaimed director Scott, 85, whose movie hits include Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma and Louise – has Mescal firmly in his sights.
The Maynooth man was his top pick after a meeting between the pair was described by sources as “fantastic”. No deal has yet been struck but sources told Deadline that backers Paramount Pictures believe they have “got their man”.
Other names in the frame for the coveted role included Timothee Chalamet, Miles Teller, Austin Butler and Richard Madden. Scott confirmed late last year a script had been written, describing the project as “a good, logical place to go”.
The British director added: “There are enough components from the first one to pick up the ball and continue it.” Mescal – who recently split from singer Phoebe Bridgers – was spotted enjoying a coffee with Angelina Jolie in London last week.
The pair met up after the Tomb Raider star watched Mescal perform at the Almeida Theatre in A Streetcar Named Desire. They were snapped at the theatre’s coffee shop after the show and were joined by Jolie’s daughter Shiloh, 16.
Mescal has received rave reviews for his stage performance as Stanley Kowalski in the Tennessee Williams play, which runs until February 4.
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