Paul Mescal on meeting King Charles

The 28-year-old actor, who plays adult Lucius in Sir Ridley Scott’s new historical epic, was introduced to Charles at a star-studded event in central London last week.

Speaking to US outlet Variety on the red carpet of the film’s Los Angeles premiere on Monday, Mescal reflected on his experience meeting King. He said: “How wild is this? It’s definitely not something I thought was in the bingo card. I’m Irish, so it’s not on the list of priorities. But it’s a wonderful thing for Ridley because I know how important it is to him. So it was very special to see his film celebrated in that context.”

Recalling his meeting with Charles, Mescal admitted that it was hard for him to hear what was being said amid the excitement of the premiere, so he was “nodding and smiling”.

About Gladiator II Premiere

The film’s world premiere in London was held in aid of the film and TV charity, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and was the first premiere attended by Charles as the King. He also met Mescal’s co-stars, including Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.

Gladiator II takes place years after the Oscar-winning 2000 film, which starred Russell Crowe as Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Gladiator II tells the story of Maximus’ son, Lucius Verus, who originally appeared in the film as a child and is now played by Mescal. Played by Joaquin Phoenix in the original film, Lucius escapes captivity after the fall of Commodus, and joins the fight against the expanding Roman Empire. In a battle to protect his wife, Lucius is captured by the forces of Marcus Acacius (Pascal) and forced into slavery. Subsequently, after being bought by Macrinus (Washington) he becomes a gladiator and seeks revenge.

At the premiere, Mescal told the PA news agency that he would “very much love” to work in a third Gladiator film, as director Ridley Scott had teased that he might want to work in the next film.

,with inputs from agencies)