Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen And Denzel Washington Praise ‘Gladiator II’ Director Ridley Scott

The cast of ‘Gladiator II’ recently expressed their admiration for director Ridley Scott, sharing insights into their experiences while filming the highly anticipated sequel. Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington took the opportunity to praise Scott during a screening event, highlighting his remarkable directorial skills as the film prepares to hit theatres nearly 24 years after the original ‘Gladiator’.

Paul Mescal, who portrays Lucius Virus, was particularly impressed by Scott's efficiency, noting that the intricate war scenes were shot in Rome in just nine days. He remarked, “I think we shot that over nine days. I don’t know any other director who could do that.” Mescal also appreciated Scott’s calming presence, which helped ease his nerves before pivotal scenes.

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Denzel Washington, reprising his role as Macrinus, echoed Mezcal's sentiments, commending Scott for creating a comfortable atmosphere on set. He stated, “He built Rome, so all we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking”.

Washington described the experience as playful and fun, emphasising the ease of stepping into character with such a well-crafted environment. “I’m like, I’m putting this dress on, these rings, and I’m going crazy,” he added.

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Connie Nielsen, returning as Lucilla after over two decades, also shared her excitement about working with Scott once again. Reflecting on the advancements in filmmaking, she noted that what used to take three hours to set up now only requires 20 minutes. 

This efficiency in production amazed her, showcasing the evolution of the industry since the original film's release. Together, the cast’s reflections highlight Ridley Scott’s enduring impact on cinema and his ability to create an engaging atmosphere for actors.

-Sushmita Sarkar