Gladiator II Potential Casting: Timothée Chalamet and Hulu Series

If anyone ever doubts the power of binge-watching TV, just point them to Gladiator II. In a recent Hollywood Reporter article discussing the making of the Ridley Scott film, it was revealed that the director’s binge-watching of Paul Mescal’s Hulu series Normal People played a crucial role in Mescal landing the lead role of Lucius Verus.

It’s unclear what drew Scott to the emotionally charged drama series where Mescal portrays a sensitive character navigating therapy sessions. Still, this choice led Scott to pick Mescal over more established stars like Timothée Chalamet and Miles Teller. Paramount co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland even watched Mescal’s performance in a London revival of A Streetcar Named Desire before making their decision.

Producer Doug Wick noted that while studios typically prefer recognizable stars, Mescal’s audition stood out. Mescal embraced the physically demanding role in Gladiator II, enduring extreme conditions during filming in Morocco and Malta, even facing borderline heat stroke at times. The risk paid off with the film’s impressive $106 million opening weekend box office, setting the stage for a potential Gladiator III.

While Scott and Mescal have plans to collaborate on the upcoming thriller The Dog Stars, the idea of another Gladiator film is also on the horizon. Despite not having concrete discussions, Mescal expressed his excitement about the possibility.

So, before diving back into the Gladiator world, don’t forget to give credit to Normal People for shaping one of the biggest films of 2024.