Paul Mescal shuts down 'Gladiator 2' training talk: 'I don't find it interesting'

Paul Mescal just wants to look like a normal person, even when it comes to transforming his body to star in the much-hyped 'Gladiator' sequel.

The Oscar nominee says he doesn't find discussions of fitness "so interesting," especially when it comes to building muscle for period roles or superhero movies charged with action.

“With movies like this and superhero movies, sometimes the focus is on that, which I don’t find very interesting,” Mescal said. "Of course there's a physical toughness required for the character, but beyond that I'm not interested. This guy has to fight and has to be a beast. And anything that looks and feels like is good for me, that's what it's gonna be."

Mescal added, "Sometimes I see movies and I'm like, 'That person doesn't look real.'

The 'Normal People' star will play Joaquin Phoenix's adult nephew in Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2,' which is set 20 years after the events of the original Oscar-winning film starring Russell Crowe. Mescal takes over the role of Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (Phoenix), since deceased, who was killed by Crowe's Maximus. Lucius is the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and grandson of Marcus Aurelius.

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"Gladiator 2" is written by Scott's "Napoleon" screenwriter, David Scarpa. Original "Gladiator" collaborators, costume designer Janty Yates and set designer Arthur Max, return with director-producer Scott. Scott Free President Michael Pruss and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher through Red Wagon Entertainment are also producing.

The "Aftersun" actor had previously lost interest in superhero movies.

“It will be something that I regret saying, but at the moment it is not something... It was not asked of me,” Mescal told GQ UK. "So I feel a little silly saying no when I haven't been asked, but it's not something I feel like doing."

Mescal continued, "I don't know if I would have the patience required. And I'm deeply envious of people who have that patience. I know that if I make this decision, I'm not going to wake up in five years. and being surprised that I didn't have time to go to Turkey and make an independent film for two months. Knowledge is power."

For all of Mescal's upcoming roles, click here.

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