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Stars celebrate ‘Gladiator II’ premiere, praising director Ridley Scott’s legacy
The much-anticipated premiere of Gladiator II might have missed the physical presence of Ridley Scott, but his essence was deeply felt during the screening on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles. The revered 86-year-old director became the focal point of the post-screening Q&A session, where stars like Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Fred Hechinger couldn’t hold back their admiration.
Scott’s meticulous battle choreography leaves stars in awe
Paul Mescal, who steps into the role of Lucius Virus, the grown son of Russell Crowe’s character from the first Gladiator film, shared his admiration for Scott’s visionary direction. Reflecting on the elaborate opening battle scene, featuring Pedro Pascal’s Roman general, Mescal marveled at Scott’s ability to shoot such a scene over nine intense days.
“I think we shot that over nine days,” Mescal recounted. “I don’t know any other director who could do that.”
Mescal admitted to being overwhelmed and deeply nervous before the first shot. Describing a moment of shared tension, he recalled Scott approaching him with a cigar while Mescal himself clutched a cigarette.
“I was absolutely shitting myself. Ridley looked at me and said, ‘You nervous?’” Mescal said, emphasizing Scott’s blunt encouragement, “‘Your nerves are no fucking good to me,’” before rolling the cameras.
Washington’s simple yet profound reason for joining the sequel
When moderator Jacqueline Coley asked Denzel Washington why he decided to join the project, his response was anchored in respect and trust.
“It’s Ridley,” Washington said. “It’s ‘Gladiator.’ It’s: ‘Yes.’”
Washington, who collaborated with Scott on the acclaimed American Gladiator in 2007, expressed awe at Scott’s dedication to authenticity. Noting the immersive experience, he pointed out how Scott meticulously recreated late-era Rome.
“He built Rome, so all we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking,” Washington said with a laugh. “It was play. You know, it’s fun. Just put the gear on and go. That’s the way I looked at it. I’m like, I’m putting this dress on, these rings, and I’m going crazy.”
Nielsen reflects on Scott’s evolved directing style
As the only actor from the original film to reprise her role, Connie Nielsen (Lucius’ mother, Lucilla) had a unique perspective on Scott’s growth as a director. Comparing today’s techniques with those from 25 years ago, she highlighted Scott’s evolved efficiency.
“What would have taken three hours to set up 25 years ago now takes 20 minutes,” she remarked. “That is despite the fact that you’re talking 3,000 extras, enormous vehicles, insane setups. We could not believe how fast we were moving.”
Hechinger’s portrayal of Emperor Caracalla
Fred Hechinger relished portraying the opulent and decadent Emperor Caracalla. He described the character’s extravagance as a mix of glamor and underlying sickness, embodying the complex nature of the Roman emperor.
“I think of him as rotted gold — it’s glitz and glamor, but there’s true sickness in that,” Hechinger stated. “It was a gradual process, but some aspects just came ready to go — like the monkey. She was amazing from the outset.”
A night of star-studded admiration and overwhelmed emotions
Interest in Gladiator II has been monumental, leading organizers to fill a second overflow theater and remotely transmit the Q&A session. The premiere attracted a diverse roster of attendees, including Shohreh Aghdashloo, Tony Revolori, Debbie Allen, Rebel Wilson, Bill Pullman, Casey Affleck, and Patrick Stewart.
Paul Mescal, appearing in his first lead role in a major studio film, was visibly moved by the overwhelming attention and respect for the movie.
“I think this film wears the legacy of the first film with intense pride and honor,” he shared emotionally. “It’s made by the only man who could ever touch it in Ridley Scott. Personally, as his friend and his long admirer, this is one of his finest pieces of work that I’ve seen in recent times.”
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For more information, check out the official trailer and let the legacy of Gladiator continue to inspire and awe.
