Paul Mescal is hopeful that Gladiator II It is Evil may repeat the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.
The two blockbusters are set to hit theaters on November 22, and Mescal hopes the opposing films can recreate the frenzy that arose with the release of Barbie It is Oppenheimer simultaneously in July 2023.
Speaking with Entertainment TonightMescal said: “Wickdiator doesn’t roll off the tongue very easily, does it? I think my preference would probably be Glicked if it had a similar effect to what it had for Barbie and Oppenheimer.”
“It would be amazing because I don’t think the films could be more opposite, and it’s worked in that context before. So fingers crossed that people go out and see both films on opening weekend.”
The Oscar nominee plays Lucius Verus in the sequel, the former heir to the Roman Empire who is forced into slavery. He explained the challenges of getting into shape for the role without overdoing it.
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The 28-year-old actor said: “I just wanted to be big and strong and look like someone who can do a little bit of damage when the s— hits the fan. I also think that sometimes when someone tries so hard to have that perfect look, they end up looking more like an underwear model than a warrior. The muscles start to grow, and that can be considered aesthetic in certain capacities, but there’s something about feeling strong in your body that just gives off a different feeling.”
Sir Ridley Scott’s historical epic takes place 24 years after the release of the original and Mescal explained that the sequel pays “homage” to its predecessor while also creating a new story.
He said: “I think the main thing that I’m excited about is the homage it pays to the first one, but also the kind of new direction that the film takes. I think it’s well-balanced in that regard in terms of the physical action of the film and the balance of the kind of political aspects of the film as well.”
Gladiator II is scheduled to open in theaters on November 22.
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