Did Paul Mescal Just Tease a Normal People Sequel at the Gladiator II Premiere?

Everyone’s favourite Irish heartthrob, Paul Mescal, took Sydney by storm to promote Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel.

The film, which sees Mescal take on the lead role of Lucius, has him stepping into the shoes of an iconic gladiator—a pretty big deal, especially considering Russell Crowe’s unforgettable turn as Maximus in the original Gladiator. Joined by his co-stars Fred Hechinger and Connie Nielsen, Mescal hit the red carpet at the ICC, bringing a little Hollywood magic to our shores.

The star-studded cast also features Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. Picking up years after the original 2000 film, Gladiator II shifts the focus to Lucius as he enters the gladiator arena to restore balance in Rome and discover his destiny amidst a tumultuous political landscape.

However, if you’re still picturing Mescal as the sensitive Connell from Normal People, it’s time to recalibrate. Gladiator II reimagines him as a fierce warrior, fighting for justice in the Roman Empire. Mescal, 28, is embracing the challenge, and fans of his intense roles in Aftersun and All of Us Strangers will be thrilled to see him take on such a powerful character.

Paul Mescal Hints at Normal People Sequel

So naturally, when POPSUGAR Australia caught up with Mescal at the premiere, we couldn’t resist asking the question on every Normal People fan’s mind: could we ever see Connell and Marianne again?

@popsugarau This is your sign to call your situationship, we're running it back 🤪 #paulmescal #daisyedgarjones #normalpeople #sallyrooney ♬ original sound – POPSUGAR Australia

“I’m always championing a sequel of that show and those characters. They could be doing anything now,” he said without hesitation. Imagining Connell’s future, Mescal added, “Like Connell’s hopefully still in New York, writing. There’s just a myriad of different possibilities that could be going on for both of them.”

We also had a little fun asking him about a viral tweet that suggested his Gladiator II contract might secretly mandate “at least one actor must look like Daisy Edgar-Jones.” Mescal laughed and agreed, “I think they look similar, for sure. I said this to Joe [Quinn] in an interview the other day, and he disagreed, so Joe, if you’re looking, I was right.”

@popsugarau What's the name of the theory for when your two besties look alike? 🤨 #paulmescal #gladiator2 #daisyedgarjones #josephquinn #popsugarau @Paramount Pictures ♬ original sound – POPSUGAR Australia

With an impressive ensemble cast, Gladiator II is set to bring audiences back to the grandeur and grit of ancient Rome. Gladiator II hits cinemas on November 14. Tickets are on sale now.

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