What we do in life echoes in eternity — something Paul Mescal is keeping in mind.
The 28-year-old revealed his feelings about starring in the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 hit film “Gladiator.”
“I do feel the pressure, and I do feel the desire for this to make money,” Mescal told Variety in an interview published Wednesday. “The box office needs a shot in the arm, and if films like ‘Gladiator II’ aren’t doing it, it would be concerning. So I do feel a responsibility.”
The actor also recalled watching the first action-packed movie at 13.
“I was at home with my dad,” Mescal said. “I feel like for a lot of dads it was a big film, like, ‘Come on, son, let’s watch ‘Gladiator!’ ”
On why the “Foe” alum chose to work on “Gladiator II,” Mescal said it was simple: “It was really just Ridley and ‘Gladiator,’ and I felt like I was ripe for this kind of big film.”
“I played sports growing up; I know what it is to throw myself around. I look Roman,” he continued. “All of those things. And it’s Ridley Scott!”
“Gladiator II” is set more than two decades after the events of the original “Gladiator.” In the sequel, Mescal plays the grown-up Lucius Verus II, the son of Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, who ends up forced into slavery and becomes a gladiator to earn his freedom, much like his dad did in the first movie.
Denzel Washington is also in the film, playing Macrinus, an arms dealer and businessman well-known in the Roman Empire, and Mescal took a moment to gush over meeting the Oscar winner for the first time.
“Holy f–k, I’m in a scene with Denzel! It could have been overwhelming,” he reflected, “but I kind of set out in my head that I’m totally entitled to admire this man and see him as an idol, but I’ve got to protect myself from that when we’re working together. I’ve got to treat Denzel as I would any other actor.”
During an appearance last month on the UK’s “Graham Norton Show,” the “Aftersun” actor dove deeper into the moment.
“It was a big day in my life — it was amazing. I spent the first day thinking, ‘I must go introduce myself to him,’ and I stood there for several minutes before I [decided], ‘Not today,’ ” admitted Mescal. “The next day I decided to be a brave boy.”
Meanwhile, the Irish star was ready to enter the arena on his own terms.
Mescal said that while getting into peak physical condition for the project, there were two things he refused to give up.
“I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said, ‘There is a canvas to work with,’ ” he shared. “He went to town, and I saw him every day. It was fun.
“I did everything he asked but I like to drink and I like to smoke,” the actor admitted, “so I drew a line in the sand where those were concerned.”
But it’s all about balance, as Mescal did eat “a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things.”
“Gladiator II” hits theaters Nov. 22.
