Paul Mescal has described himself as “blown away” by the support from his fans.
Last night, the 28-year-old actor attended the Irish premiere of Gladiator II at the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin and took a moment to reflect on the development of his career.
“I’m absolutely blown away by the amount of people that turned up,” he told Newstalk.
“I am deeply grateful because, ultimately, without the people who support me, I wouldn’t be in this position - being able to front up this film.
“So, it’s not lost on me. It’s a massive privilege.”
Paul Mescal chats on the red carpet in Dublin at the Irish Premiere of Gladiator II. A lot more on @NewstalkFM @NTBreakfast 7am pic.twitter.com/aGrRFDPslg
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) November 7, 2024
Gladiator II sees Mescal play the role of Lucius Verus who is taken prisoner by the Roman Army and forced to fight as a gladiator.
Mescal said he was “incredibly proud” that he was asked to part in the film.
“I think when I look in five, 10-years that it’ll mean a hell of a lot more,” he said.
“It’s about trying to be as present as possible.”
The new trailer for GLADIATOR II is here ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/2FlAWfRPiv
— Light House Cinema (@LightHouseD7) September 23, 2024
As well as the premier of Gladiator II, yesterday also saw the world’s first Paul Mescal lookalike competition take place in Dublin.
Organiser of the event Marcus O’Laoire told Newstalk that Paul Mescal is a “social movement”.
“He's a state of mind, and I think it's something that we can all embody,” he said.
“So I think it's important to recognise that and see how many people can embody the Mescal movement.”
The Battle of the Mescals! - Paul Mescal doppelgangers came from far and wide for a lookalikes competition in Dublin's Smithfield Square pic.twitter.com/z5prgJiiXy
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 7, 2024
The winner, Jack Wall-O’Reilly, was presented with a prize of €20 or three pints.
“I think I won the genetic Paul Mescal lottery,” he said.
He also wished Mescal “good luck” with the premier of Gladiator II.
“I just hope he’s okay. He’s got a busy schedule,” he said.
Gladiator II will be released in Irish cinemas on November 15th.
Main image shows Paul Mescal at the Irish premiere of Gladiator 2 in Dublin, 07-11-2024. Image: Liam Murphy/Alamy
