Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is among one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The sequel to the classic 2000 movie focuses on the life of grown-up Lucius, played by actor Paul Mescal.

The first reactions to the movie are in, and Mescal has received rave reviews for his performance and action sequences. To achieve his ripped body, the actor had gone to great lengths to transform into his character. 
 
He had to follow a tough regime to achieve the role of a Roman warrior. However, there were still some things that the actor refused to give up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gladiator-ii-first-reactions-are-in-critics-call-the-sequel-a-masterpiece-and-ridley-scotts-best-work-769013">Gladiator II first reactions are in: Critics call sequel a 'masterpiece' and Ridley Scott's best work - Entertainment News</a>

Speaking on the UK's Graham Norton Show, Mescal said, as per US Weekly, “I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things.''

“I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said, 'There is a canvas to work with',” Mescal continued,&nbsp;“He went to town, and I saw him every day. It was fun.”

Mescal added that he did everything but the two things that he was not able to give up were smoking&nbsp;and drinking.

“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.”

However, the actor managed to strike a balance as he ate “a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things.”

The actor also told host Graham Norton that he got the lead part in the movie after a 30-minute chat with director Scott.

“Ridley does not waste time,” the actor said. “I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we Zoomed for half an hour, spoke for 10 mins about the part, and then 20 minutes about Gaelic football, his dog, and his wife.”

He continued, “I thought there would be more, but he called a few weeks later to offer me the part. I think he just goes by instinct on set and off and I’m very glad that’s the way it went.”

More about Gladiator II

Set years after the death of Maximus (Played by Russell Crowe), the movie follows the life of grown-up Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).

The official synopsis for the movie reads, "Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people."

Apart from Mescal, the movie stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.&nbsp;

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is among one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The sequel to the classic 2000 movie focuses on the life of grown-up Lucius, played by actor Paul Mescal.

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is among one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The sequel to the classic 2000 movie focuses on the life of grown-up Lucius, played by actor Paul Mescal. The first reactions to the movie are in, and Mescal has received rave reviews for his performance and action sequences. To achieve his ripped body, the actor had gone to great lengths to transform into his character. He had to follow a tough regime to achieve the role of a Roman warrior. However, there were still some things that the actor refused to give up. Also read: Gladiator II first reactions are in: Critics call sequel a 'masterpiece' and Ridley Scott's best work - Entertainment News Speaking on the UK's Graham Norton Show, Mescal said, as per US Weekly, “I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things.'' “I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said, 'There is a canvas to work with',” Mescal continued, “He went to town, and I saw him every day. It was fun.” Mescal added that he did everything but the two things that he was not able to give up were smoking and drinking. “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.” However, the actor managed to strike a balance as he ate “a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things.” The actor also told host Graham Norton that he got the lead part in the movie after a 30-minute chat with director Scott. “Ridley does not waste time,” the actor said. “I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we Zoomed for half an hour, spoke for 10 mins about the part, and then 20 minutes about Gaelic football, his dog, and his wife.” He continued, “I thought there would be more, but he called a few weeks later to offer me the part. I think he just goes by instinct on set and off and I’m very glad that’s the way it went.” More about Gladiator II Set years after the death of Maximus (Played by Russell Crowe), the movie follows the life of grown-up Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). The official synopsis for the movie reads, "Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people." Apart from Mescal, the movie stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.

Paul Mescal says he couldn't give up 'drinking and smoking' for Gladiator 2 physique

The shoot of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel is currently underway in Morocco near the Sahara Desert and on Friday, June 7, a major accident took place on the set during the shooting of the stunt sequence. Several crew members on the set were injured in the accident.&nbsp;

The Paramount spokesperson confirmed the incident on Friday, revealing that the injuries were ''non-life-threatening'' and&nbsp;all those who were impacted immediately received the necessary care.

''While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the Gladiator sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries. The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received the necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment," a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures said in a statement, via EW.&nbsp;

The statement added, "The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.''

As per Variety, a source has revealed that no cast members were harmed. "Total six people received treatment, four of whom remain in the hospital. All of the impacted crew members were treated for burn injuries,''&nbsp;the individual further revealed.

''Two other crew members were treated locally and then discharged. The accident occurred towards the end of the shooting day. No cast members were harmed.''

While the main cause behind the accident has not been revealed, however, The Sun has reported&nbsp;the news of an explosion on set.&nbsp; 
 
The UK outlet has revealed&nbsp;that the major accident took place after a fireball engulfed the set when a big-budget special effects scene went wrong. An investigation is now underway, with onlookers speculating that a gas pipe on the set may have ruptured.

A source said: "It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path.&nbsp;In years of filming, I’ve never seen an accident so scary."

The shooting is going on in Ouarzazate, where the temperature regularly hits 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Stars including Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington were present on the set and watched the horrific scene in terror.&nbsp;

<h2>More about the film&nbsp;</h2>

The movie, which is the sequel to Russell Crowe's Oscar-winning film, stars&nbsp;Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas. Connie is reprising her role as Lucilla from the first film.&nbsp;

The period film was praised by critics and audiences alike and was a huge blockbuster hit and&nbsp;grossed more than $460 million. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. The makers are eying for&nbsp;November 22, 2024 release date.

&nbsp;

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The shoot of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel is currently underway in Morocco near the Sahara Desert and on Friday, June 7, a major accident took place on the set during the shooting of the stunt sequence.

The shoot of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel is currently underway in Morocco near the Sahara Desert and on Friday, June 7, a major accident took place on the set during the shooting of the stunt sequence. Several crew members on the set were injured in the accident. The Paramount spokesperson confirmed the incident on Friday, revealing that the injuries were ''non-life-threatening'' and all those who were impacted immediately received the necessary care. ''While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the Gladiator sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries. The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received the necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment," a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures said in a statement, via EW. The statement added, "The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.'' As per Variety, a source has revealed that no cast members were harmed. "Total six people received treatment, four of whom remain in the hospital. All of the impacted crew members were treated for burn injuries,'' the individual further revealed. ''Two other crew members were treated locally and then discharged. The accident occurred towards the end of the shooting day. No cast members were harmed.'' While the main cause behind the accident has not been revealed, however, The Sun has reported the news of an explosion on set. The UK outlet has revealed that the major accident took place after a fireball engulfed the set when a big-budget special effects scene went wrong. An investigation is now underway, with onlookers speculating that a gas pipe on the set may have ruptured. A source said: "It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path. In years of filming, I’ve never seen an accident so scary." The shooting is going on in Ouarzazate, where the temperature regularly hits 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Stars including Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington were present on the set and watched the horrific scene in terror. More about the film The movie, which is the sequel to Russell Crowe's Oscar-winning film, stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, and Matt Lucas. Connie is reprising her role as Lucilla from the first film. The period film was praised by critics and audiences alike and was a huge blockbuster hit and grossed more than $460 million. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. The makers are eying for November 22, 2024 release date. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gladiator 2 on-set accident leaves several crew members injured

Veteran actor Denzel Washington is in final negotiations to join Ridley Scott's much-anticipated sequel to his 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, reported Deadline. If the talks go through, this would be the second collaboration between the actor and the director after 2007's biographical crime drama film American Gangster. At the time of writing, the character that Washington is playing is not known yet. We already know Aftersun star Paul Mescal, who is playing the role of Lucius is leading the cast of the film. The story, as per Russell Crowe, revolves around Lucius becoming emperor. The film also features Barry Keoghan, who was last seen in The Irishman.&nbsp;

Crowe has said that he will not appear in the film, despite earlier being rumoured to do so. His lead character in the original film Maximus Decimus Meridius did die at the end of the film.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKn-Agk-yAI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>What was Gladiator all about?</h2>

Starring Russell Crowe in the lead role, the original was a huge hit, grossing over $460 million on a budget of $100 million. Written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson, the film was about a Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius who gets betrayed when Emperor Marcus Aurelius' son Commodus murders his father and assumes the throne. Maximus becomes one of the gladiators, warriors who entertained audiences by fighting each other to death in ancient Rome. Maximus scripts his revenge on &nbsp;Commodus.

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Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed (in his final role), Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, and Tommy Flanagan were also featured in the cast.&nbsp;

The film received widespread acclaim for its compelling storyline, masterful direction, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances, particularly from Crowe.

At the 73rd Academy Awards, held on March 25, 2001, Gladiator was nominated for a total of twelve Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The film ultimately won five of those awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

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Veteran actor Denzel Washington is in final negotiations to join Ridley Scott's much-anticipated sequel to his 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, reported Deadline.

Veteran actor Denzel Washington is in final negotiations to join Ridley Scott's much-anticipated sequel to his 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, reported Deadline. If the talks go through, this would be the second collaboration between the actor and the director after 2007's biographical crime drama film American Gangster. At the time of writing, the character that Washington is playing is not known yet. We already know Aftersun star Paul Mescal, who is playing the role of Lucius is leading the cast of the film. The story, as per Russell Crowe, revolves around Lucius becoming emperor. The film also features Barry Keoghan, who was last seen in The Irishman. Crowe has said that he will not appear in the film, despite earlier being rumoured to do so. His lead character in the original film Maximus Decimus Meridius did die at the end of the film. What was Gladiator all about? Starring Russell Crowe in the lead role, the original was a huge hit, grossing over $460 million on a budget of $100 million. Written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson, the film was about a Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius who gets betrayed when Emperor Marcus Aurelius' son Commodus murders his father and assumes the throne. Maximus becomes one of the gladiators, warriors who entertained audiences by fighting each other to death in ancient Rome. Maximus scripts his revenge on Commodus. Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed (in his final role), Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, and Tommy Flanagan were also featured in the cast. The film received widespread acclaim for its compelling storyline, masterful direction, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances, particularly from Crowe. At the 73rd Academy Awards, held on March 25, 2001, Gladiator was nominated for a total of twelve Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The film ultimately won five of those awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Denzel Washington joins Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2: Who will he play?