Filming for the much-anticipated Gladiator sequel is well under way, and with it, so too is Paul Mescal’s much-anticipated body transformation.
In a video that has gone viral across social media, a topless and long-haired Mescal can been seen performing standing dumbbell rows and showing off his ripped physique – much to the delight of his fans.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in back in February, Mescal said that he wasn’t interested in talk around his inevitable bulk up, but based off his huge back and bulging chest and biceps, the Normal People and Aftersun star has clearly been working hard in the gym in preparation for the role.
“With films like this and superhero films, there is sometimes a focus on that, which I don’t find that interesting,” he said earlier this year. “Of course there’s a physical robustness required for the character, but past that, I’m not interested.”
The Oscar nominee is set to star as adult Lucius, the nephew of Roman Emperor Commodus (originally played by The Joker star Joaquin Phoenix) in the sequel.
Speaking about the character and what he might look like on-screen, Mescal said: “This guy’s got to fight and got to be a beast. And whatever that looks and feels like is right for me, is what it’s going to be. Sometimes I see films and I’m like, ‘That person doesn’t look real.'”
Running also seems to be a regular fixture of his workout regime. While starring as Stanley Kowalski in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire at London’s Almeida and Phoenix theatres, fans regularly caught Mescal leaving the stage door for a jog between shows.
Gladiator 2 is scheduled for release in cinemas in November 2024.
Luke is Men’s Health UK‘s senior ecommerce writer, specialising in reviewing the latest health and fitness products. Luke interviews some of the world’s most knowledgeable experts across menswear, grooming, fitness equipment and nutrition to help readers make smart decisions when shopping online. He has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has worked as a journalist for titles like The Recommended, Outdoor Swimmer magazine and B2B publications. When he’s not compiling round-ups of the best expert-verified products, Luke can be found training for running events, playing squash or swimming at one of London’s lidos.
Comments are closed.