Ridley Scott reportedly blamed Paul Mescal for the mixed reception to Gladiator II, claiming the actor was not «masculine enough» for the lead role, according to a new report from Puck's newsletter What I'm Hearing. The 2024 sequel to the Oscar-winning 2000 historical drama saw Mescal step into the arena as Lucius, a man seeking revenge by becoming a gladiator in Rome's Colosseum, a part originally played by Russell Crowe in the first film.
Despite grossing $462 million worldwide and earning an 80 percent «fresh» rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was widely considered inferior to its predecessor by critics and audiences alike. Writer Matthew Belloni reports that Scott attributed the film's underwhelming response to Mescal's performance, suggesting the actor lacked the physical presence the role demanded. The disappointment allegedly led to Mescal being replaced by Jacob Elordi on Scott's upcoming film The Dog Stars.
The casting switch may have proven fortunate for Mescal, as The Dog Stars reportedly flopped at the box office over its opening weekend. Mescal has since moved on to other projects, achieving success with the Oscar-winning drama Hamnet and preparing to portray Paul McCartney in a forthcoming four-part biopic about The Beatles. He and his co-stars were recently spotted recreating the famous Abbey Road album cover for the film.
NME awarded Gladiator II three stars out of five, with critic Alex Flood writing: «If you loved Gladiator, it's odds-on you'll enjoy this too. It's got all of the same exciting bits – swordfighting, rousing speeches, nasty poshos getting what they deserve. The problem is that's all it gives you.» The review highlighted the film's spectacle while noting its narrative limitations compared to the original.
Russell Crowe, who starred in the original film, has repeatedly expressed his disdain for the sequel, stating that it lacked a «moral core» and that the movie had «failed.» His comments added to the narrative of disappointment surrounding the project, even as it performed solidly at the box office.
In June, Mescal made his first public statement in support of transgender rights, backing the London Trans+ Pride demonstration that took place in the city. The actor's off-screen advocacy has drawn attention as he continues to build a career that extends beyond the blockbuster circuit, balancing prestige dramas with high-profile biopic roles.