Paul Mescal is making waves as he prepares for his highly anticipated role in Gladiator 2, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator.
Taking on the role of Lucius Verus, the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, Mescal underwent a strict regimen to transform his physique to match the film’s intense physical demands.
However, the actor drew a hard line when it came to giving up his two favorite vices—drinking and smoking.
Here’s a breakdown of his unique approach to training, his audition process with director Ridley Scott, and his experience working alongside industry legend Denzel Washington.
Paul Mescal’s Physique Transformation for Gladiator 2
To prepare for the intense physical role in Gladiator 2, Mescal committed to a rigorous fitness routine involving plenty of “chicken and heavy lifting.”
This approach, common in high-profile Hollywood transformations, is geared toward building muscle and maintaining high energy levels for the demanding filming days.
Mescal trained daily with a personal trainer who kept him focused and motivated, meticulously guiding his workouts to build the gladiator physique necessary for the film.
Mescal explained his trainer’s hands-on approach as almost predatory, saying, “I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said, ‘There is a canvas to work with.’”
This hands-on, almost relentless approach to fitness is common among Hollywood trainers who aim to transform their clients in a limited time frame, especially for roles that demand specific physiques.
Despite the intensity of the training regimen, Mescal found the process enjoyable, which speaks to his commitment to the role and the energy he put into embodying Lucius Verus.
Drawing a Line: Mescal’s Refusal to Quit Drinking and Smoking
While he adhered to his trainer’s strict guidance, Mescal was clear about his boundaries, choosing not to give up drinking and smoking, two habits that often go against the typical requirements of a fitness transformation.
In most celebrity fitness plans, alcohol and smoking are the first things to go, as they can interfere with muscle growth, hydration, and overall recovery. However, Mescal decided to “draw a line”.
when it came to these two elements, suggesting that his sense of balance and enjoyment was more important than fitting into a stereotypical fitness model.
“I did everything he asked, but I like to drink, and I like to smoke, so I drew a line in the sand where those were concerned,” Mescal shared.
This decision highlights Mescal’s personal approach to wellness, one that acknowledges the need for balance.
While he made significant changes to his diet and workout regimen, his refusal to completely alter his lifestyle reflects a trend among some actors who want to retain authenticity in their everyday lives rather than succumbing to extreme, unsustainable routines.
Securing the Role of Lucius Verus: A Unique Casting Experience with Ridley Scott
Landing the role of Lucius in Gladiator 2 wasn’t a typical casting journey for Mescal.
Known for his work in Aftersun and Normal People, Mescal expected a lengthy casting process involving multiple screen tests and auditions.
However, his experience with director Ridley Scott was surprisingly short and straightforward.
Mescal revealed that his interaction with Scott took place over a Zoom call that lasted just 30 minutes.
“Ridley does not waste time,” Mescal shared, recalling his unexpected but pleasant Zoom meeting with Scott.
In that short meeting, they only spent about ten minutes discussing the character of Lucius Verus.
The rest of the conversation covered topics like Gaelic football, Scott’s dog, and his wife.
Mescal’s casual conversation with Scott indicates that the director’s casting decisions are often based on gut instinct and personal connection rather than extensive testing.
A few weeks after their conversation, Scott called back and offered Mescal the role, highlighting Scott’s unique and instinct-driven approach to casting, which has defined many of his projects over the years.
Joining a Legendary Cast: Working Alongside Denzel Washington
While Mescal is no stranger to intense roles, joining the cast of Gladiator 2 meant he would be working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Denzel Washington.
Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave and mentor to Lucius.
For Mescal, sharing the set with such an accomplished actor was both exhilarating and intimidating.
The actor admitted that his first day meeting Washington on set was a significant moment in his life. “I must go introduce myself to him,”.
Mescal thought, but after standing there for a few minutes, he reconsidered, thinking, “Not today.”
This hesitation reflects the reverence Mescal has for Washington, whose legendary status in Hollywood can make even seasoned actors starstruck.
Despite initial nerves, Mescal eventually mustered the courage to introduce himself, and he has since spoken about how inspiring it was to work alongside Washington.
The pairing of these two actors—one an industry veteran and the other a rising star—adds depth to Gladiator 2’s storyline, as they bring their unique dynamics and experience to the screen.
The Role of Lucius Verus in Gladiator 2
Gladiator 2 picks up more than 20 years after the events of the original Gladiator. In this sequel, Mescal’s character Lucius Verus is the son of Lucilla, who is connected to Maximus (Russell Crowe’s character).
In a plot echoing Maximus’s journey, Lucius finds himself forced into the life of a gladiator, fighting for his freedom and survival.
In stepping into the role of Lucius, Mescal has not only taken on a physical transformation but also an emotional one.
This character has grown up under the shadow of Maximus’s legend, a hero who defied all odds to earn his freedom.
By undergoing his own journey, Lucius will embody the legacy of Maximus, carrying forward themes of resilience, sacrifice, and honor that made the original Gladiator a timeless classic.
Mescal’s Unique Fitness Philosophy and Balanced Approach
Paul Mescal’s approach to training for Gladiator 2 serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and personal boundaries, even in the face of intense industry pressures.
His choice to maintain certain habits and find enjoyment in his routine underscores a broader trend in wellness, where authenticity and sustainability take precedence over extreme transformations.
While Mescal’s decision to draw a line with drinking and smoking might be unconventional for an actor preparing for a major physical role, it speaks to a growing awareness of mental health and personal comfort within the entertainment industry.
Actors like Mescal are setting an example by prioritizing a balanced approach that values mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health.
For fans and fitness enthusiasts, this perspective offers an alternative to the traditional “all or nothing” mentality, encouraging a fitness journey that aligns with individual needs and preferences.
1. What Specific Vices Did Paul Mescal Refuse to Give Up for Gladiator 2?
While Paul Mescal committed fully to the intense physical demands of his role in Gladiator 2, he drew a firm line on giving up certain personal habits: drinking and smoking.
Despite the demands of transforming into a warrior with a lean, muscular build, Mescal chose to keep these vices as part of his life.
He explained that he was willing to follow his trainer’s strict regimen but preferred to keep his lifestyle enjoyable rather than going to extremes.
In the film industry, actors often undergo extreme lifestyle changes to embody a specific role.
However, Mescal’s decision to maintain some sense of normalcy reflects a broader trend toward balanced fitness routines.
This approach resonates with a growing number of actors and fitness professionals who advocate for wellness routines that feel sustainable and realistic in the long term, even when pursuing challenging physical goals.
2. How Did Paul Mescal’s Trainer Help Him Achieve His Physique?
Mescal’s trainer took a hands-on, focused approach to ensure the actor met the intense physical requirements for his character, Lucius Verus.
Known for his physical preparation in roles like Normal People, Mescal teamed up with a personal trainer who meticulously guided his journey, helping him build strength and muscle mass needed to play a seasoned gladiator.
According to Mescal, his trainer “circled him like a shark,” honing in on his physical potential and developing a routine tailored to maximize his results.
This routine likely included a mix of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardio training to build an impressive, defined body without compromising agility.
Mescal’s trainer likely emphasized consistency, intensity, and progressive overload (increasing weights or resistance gradually), ensuring that Mescal’s body adapted to the increasing demands of his workout regimen.
This level of discipline is essential when actors prepare for action-heavy roles in period pieces like Gladiator 2, where strength and endurance play key roles in fight scenes and other physically demanding stunts.
For Mescal, working with an attentive trainer who didn’t let him cut corners was crucial in helping him reach the character’s physical ideal.
3. What Was Paul Mescal’s Daily Diet Like During His Training for Gladiator 2?
Diet plays an essential role in any physical transformation, and Mescal’s training diet for Gladiator 2 was no exception.
He followed a high-protein diet, centered around lean meats like chicken, to support muscle growth and repair.
Protein is a cornerstone of muscle-building diets, as it provides the amino acids necessary for recovery and helps to maintain lean muscle while reducing body fat.
In addition to lean meats, Mescal’s diet likely included complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grains) to fuel his intense workouts, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil would also be included, as these fats support cellular health and contribute to muscle recovery.
By sticking to clean, nutrient-dense foods, Mescal was able to optimize his physique without needing to follow an excessively restrictive diet.
This approach allowed him to achieve a gladiator-worthy physique while still enjoying some lifestyle balance.
4. How Did Paul Mescal Feel About Working With Denzel Washington?
Working with Denzel Washington on Gladiator 2 was a career highlight for Mescal, who has openly shared his admiration for the Oscar-winning actor.
Washington plays Macrinus, a mentor figure to Lucius Verus, Mescal’s character.
The experience of sharing the screen with such an iconic figure was both inspiring and intimidating for Mescal.
On his first day on set, Mescal felt starstruck, debating whether to introduce himself to Washington right away. “I must go introduce myself to him,”.
Mescal recalled, but ultimately he decided to wait until he felt more comfortable.
His initial hesitance shows the respect he has for Washington’s long-standing legacy in the industry.
Throughout filming, however, Mescal became more confident and valued Washington’s guidance.
Working alongside such a seasoned actor provided him with invaluable insights into the craft, and their dynamic on screen brings depth to Gladiator 2’s narrative.
This professional relationship also symbolizes a mentor-mentee dynamic that mirrors their characters, adding authenticity to their performances.
5. What Was the Most Challenging Part of Paul Mescal’s Training Routine?
For Mescal, the most challenging aspect of his training was likely maintaining the energy and intensity required to reach his physical goals.
Building and sustaining a warrior-like physique isn’t just about lifting weights—it requires high levels of endurance, mental discipline, and recovery.
One major challenge is balancing heavy lifting with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance exercises, which are typical for actors preparing for combat-heavy films.
Such a routine can be exhausting and demands a strong commitment to sleep, hydration, and stress management.
Recovery is critical, and it’s likely that Mescal had to prioritize stretching, foam rolling, and possibly even physical therapy to keep up with the intense workouts without risking injury.
Mescal’s balanced approach to his transformation demonstrates the importance of mental resilience in fitness.
By embracing a lifestyle that included a well-rounded diet, consistent training, and a moderate approach to lifestyle habits, Mescal was able to rise to the physical demands of Gladiator 2 without compromising his personal sense of enjoyment.
Conclusion: Mescal’s Transformation Offers Insights for Fitness Enthusiasts
Paul Mescal’s journey to embody Lucius Verus in Gladiator 2 is a powerful example of physical commitment, mental discipline, and balanced well-being.
While he embraced the tough training demands of his role, he also maintained a realistic approach by choosing not to give up certain habits that he enjoys.
From his rigorous workout routines and high-protein diet to the unique experience of working with Denzel Washington, Mescal’s approach to fitness and acting is inspiring and relatable.
For those looking to transform their own fitness journeys, his story emphasizes the importance of balance and sustainability over extreme measures.
In Mescal’s case, this combination of intense training, mindful eating, and personal boundaries enabled him to achieve a look fit for an epic gladiator while still staying true to his personality and preferences.
A balanced approach that serves as a refreshing model in the world of Hollywood transformations.
