Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal star because the lead characters in “Gladiator II,” the highly anticipated sequel directed by Ridley Scott, following his 2000 epic that featured Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.
Fans and admirers of the 2 actors were already excited in regards to the sword-fighting motion between these Hollywood heartthrobs, and the “Gladiator II” promotional campaign is on top of it, already hinting at loads of sweat, gleaming muscles, and the stress fans might expect from a movie featuring such leading men.
Nonetheless, Paul Mescal has intensified the thrill even further together with his recent interview, revealing he planted a kiss on Pedro Pascal while filming.
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Paul Mescal Says He Kissed Pedro Pascal While Filming ‘Gladiator II’
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mescal and Pascal shared details about an improvised moment during filming that, unfortunately, didn’t make the ultimate cut of “Gladiator II.”
Mescal revealed that the scene involved him planting a kiss on Pascal’s brow at the tip of what was likely a really intense sword fight. “There was a moment after we were rehearsing my fight scene with Pedro, and I had an idea towards the tip of the scene to kiss Pedro on the brow,” Mescal recalled. “I did it in one among the takes, after which we’re getting the radio messages back to Ridley [in video village], and I used to be like, ‘Ridley: Kiss on the brow, did you prefer it? Yay or nay?'”
“There was radio silence for a second,” he added. “His radio crackles back, and [Ridley] goes, ‘I’m afraid I did.'”
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Though the playful, unscripted gesture won’t be seen in the ultimate version, it adds to the behind-the-scenes excitement surrounding the chemistry between the 2 stars. He added, “I feel Ridley’s one among the funniest men I’ve ever come across.”
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Pedro Pascal Recalls Filming ‘Gladiator II’
Pascal’s favorite blooper from “Gladiator II” is tied to the scene where his character, Acacius, is first introduced to the audience and Lucius as his army invades Numidia.
“I used to be running off the drawbridge, they usually sort of dressed it with some dust in order that when it slams against the fortified wall, there’s an enormous puff of smoke, of dust. And I’m charging off the drawbridge and jumping over the wall, and I slip,” Pascal recounted. “I literally bounce off the drawbridge on my ass and land splat in front of Paul’s feet on the primary take.”
Referencing the long-lasting line from “Gladiator,” Pascal recalls turning to his co-star and jokingly saying, “Are you not entertained?”
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Paul Mescal Opens Up About The Fight Scenes In ‘Gladiator II’
For nearly six months, Mescal revealed he underwent an intensive regimen that included strength training, fight choreography, horseback riding, and sword-fighting practice to organize for his role before entering into the world.
“I loved how distinct the fights are from one another, and what I’m really happy with is how you may feel the buildup of the violence on his body because the film progresses,” Mescal told EW. “The fights aren’t like slick swordplay. You’ll be able to feel towards the tip what Lucius says — it’s about survival. It’s like your body’s going to build up all this punishment. And it’s about holding onto that because the film progresses.”
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Pedro Mescal Reveals The Biggest Challenge Of Filming Inside The Colosseum Set
While there have been loads of obstacles to beat during filming, Mescal said the actual challenge was the weather contained in the Colosseum set. The sandy arena floor became intensely hot, especially on days after they filmed this particular battle scene, making it difficult for the forged and crew to work comfortably.
“We shot that for about two or three days, however the heat was just…. My Irish blood doesn’t function with Ridley’s shooting schedule, which is like sun as much as sundown, hottest parts of the day,” Mescal says with amusing. “It was brutal, the fight. I grew up playing sports, so I’d consider myself pretty robust and completely happy to throw myself around.”
“Nevertheless it was just the [arena] itself became like a radiator. I used to be borderline throwing up, irritable, just hardcore,” he added. “Between takes, I used to be firing ice straight down my back.”
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Who Else Stars In ‘Gladiator II’?
“Gladiator II” features a formidable forged, including Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a former slave, Connie Nielsen reprising her role as Lucilla, and Joseph Quinn portraying the brand new emperor, Geta. The film also includes veteran actor Derek Jacobi, who returns as Senator Gracchus.
The film hits theaters on November 22.
