Denzel Washington Says Paul Mescal Is “Great” in Gladiator II

The epic first trailer for Ridley Scott's Gladiator II was released last in July and eradicated doubts for fans who were concerned to hear that Scott was heading back to the Colosseum with a new set of gladiators.

People were bowled over by the grandeur and captivated by Paul Mescal leading the charge as Lucius, who is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Gladiator II is heading to theaters in November, and Denzel Washington teased a little to Variety, praising his co-stars for their work.

When asked what we can expect from the film, Washington said Gladiator II is "Huge! Ridiculously big!" and – when asked about Mescal and Pedro Pascal – said both stars are "Great".

He may not have divulged too much, but he did comment on the performances in the original film being "a hard act to follow" and said that "Paul [Mescal] pulled it off."

"He's his own gladiator," Washington continued, saying, "I didn't have to do anything but this [sips water with pinky up]. That was my job. Just twirl the glass, twirl the goblet, and hold whatever I had in my other hand. And make sure I don't step on my gown."

Fans loved the first look at Washington in the film when the trailer was released, which shows him looking regal in a red cape, decked out in gold jewellery.

Washington also revealed to Variety that a new trailer for Gladiator II is coming on September 23, saying, "It's epic."