‘Gladiator 2’ Fame Could ‘Impact’ My Daily Life

Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal is bracing for his level of celebrity to skyrocket after the release of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel.

Mescal is playing the lead role of Lucius (previously played by Spencer Treat Clark in the original 2000 film) for “Gladiator 2,” set 20 years after the events of the first film. The estimated era for the feature is 200 B.C.E., with Lucius leading the next generation of the ruling Roman family after the death of his uncle Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington co-star.

Mescal recently spoke to The Sunday Times about how the big-budget feature could mark a turning point in his career, especially when it comes to dealing with fame.

“I don’t know what the difference will be. Maybe that’s naïve? Is it just that more people will stop you in the street?” Mescal asked. “I’d get profoundly depressed if that’s so and hope it isn’t true. I’ll have an answer next year, but if [the film] impacts my life in that way, I’ll be in a bad spot.”

The “All of Us Strangers” actor previously told Esquire that he was “stressed” about “Gladiator 2” since it’s the “biggest” film he’s ever starred in. The Paramount Pictures sequel is set to be released November 22, 2024.

“I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular, because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done,” Mescal said. “I feel really excited, but, like,…