Top 10 Most Chaotic Gladiator II Press Tour Moments

In only a short amount of time Paul Mescal has become one of the biggest rising stars of his generation. From an unknown name to an Academy Award nominee, his burgeoning career is due in large part to his education. A graduate of The Lir Academy[a] at Trinity College in Dublin, the drama school is where it all started. So, it only made sense that his alma mater would be a stop on his whirlwind “Gladiator II” press tour. Welcomed by a massive mob of fans, Mescal appeared humbly overwhelmed by the support. The surreal homecoming also reconnected him with his “Normal People” roots as his onscreen counterpart, Connell Waldron, is a Trinity alumni as well. Talk about a full circle moment!

Press tours can be all work and no play but the “Gladiator II” cast found a balance. While promoting the sequel in Tokyo, the film’s social media team followed Paul Mescal across the city as the actor went thrifting, snapped some pics, and even visited the movie’s massive billboard at the famous Shibuya Crossing[b]. Along with co-star, Fred Hechinger[c], the pair took in the surreal moment of seeing their faces lit up on one of the world’s busiest intersections. The vlog ends with Mescal capping off the fun-filled day with some karaoke. And if you’re wondering what tune he belted out…Well, let’s just say it’s a good one.

When it comes to creating a character, actors often base their roles on iconic figures. But for Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, their portrayals of menacing twin brothers and real life emperors, Geta and Caracalla, were influenced by a very unlikely duo. While talking to “Entertainment Tonight”, the two revealed their unexpected source of inspiration; the ever-dynamic duo of Beavis and Butt-Head! Not only that but Hechinger also disclosed that they discussed the animated pair at length with their director, Sir Ridley Scott. Those watch parties must have been a blast!

Press tours can be draining and exhausting. But, there can also be moments of pure joy, which is exactly what Paul Mescal got when he stopped by the radio station, Capital FM. During his interview on the Capital Breakfast show, the actor was treated to what might be the most adorable surprise of all time: Puppies! Dressed as lions and a shark, a trio of dogs were brought into the studio, melting the hearts of both Mescal and listeners. Throughout the interview, he and one of the pups bonded through cuddles… and also via a savory treat from London’s favorite chain bakery, Greggs. Honestly, is there a better way to start your day?!

Love of the platonic kind was certainly in the air at the global “Gladiator II” premiere in London! Throughout the evening, the star studded cast took every opportunity to sing each other’s praises. At one point, Paul Mescal interrupted Pedro Pascal mid-interview to give his pal a warm hug, a kiss and even called him the “best”. And later on, Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta Washington, and Ridley Scott shared a sweet group hug. It’s certainly clear that the cast and crew created a strong bond throughout this whirlwind experience in epic movie-making… and fans are living for it!

Paul Mescal has gone on record about the brutal heat he had to brave while filming his epic battle scenes in the “Gladiator” sequel. But surely nothing could have prepared him for the levels he faced during his appearance on “Hot Ones”! During his episode, he sat down with host Sean Evans to answer burning questions while apprehensively tasting some flaming hot chicken wings. He did manage to make it all the way through but not without breaking a sweat. Appearing on the show has become a rite of passage for celebs, and now, Mescal is one of the many champions of the internet’s hottest challenge.

Of all the intense interviews Paul Mescal must have sat through, nothing could have prepared him for this! While chatting with BBC Radio I, Mescal was asked a series of questions… by children! The budding young journalists grilled him on everything from “what is your favorite bug?” to “why are your famous Gaelic football shorts SO short?”. Some questions even caused Mescal to blush, including a sudden interrogation on who he thinks is the “best kisser in the world?”. The old adage says that actors should never work with children… and maybe this is why.

Appearing in crisp, off white suits, Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal sat down with “Entertainment Weekly” to chat about all things “Gladiator”. Set against the ornate backdrop complete with marble statues and pillars, the interview also takes viewers behind the scenes of their magazine photoshoot. Cutting an intersection between fashion and filmmaking, Pascal and Mescal give fans a brief taste of the enormous effort it takes to create a movie of this scale, at times delving into the mind of their director. On the one hand, it’s in-depth conversation, on the other it’s striking poses… and the two colleagues (now friends) are a power pair of gladiatorial eminence.

Just when we thought we couldn't love Pedro Pascal more, he manages to unlock a whole new level! While being interviewed by IMDb, Pascal gets distracted by the host's perfectly polished manicure. He and co-star Connie Nielson proceeded to admire her immaculate design, with Pascal stating that he’s “obsessed” with nails. No stranger to wearing polish himself, “The Last of Us” star famously rocked the 2024 Golden Globes red carpet with an arm cast complete with nails that spelt out “OUCHY”. Quietly emerging as a true fashion icon of our times, he knows that when it comes to looking good, it’s all about paying attention to the smallest details.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.


Pedro Pascal Gets Distracted At The Premiere

Spice Box Lunch, Paul Mescal Enjoys The Comforts Of Ireland In Australia


Mescal vs. Pascal, The Head-to-Heads We ALL Need To See

Denzel Washington’s Awkward Handshake With King Charles


Denzel Washington's Sons Put Him In The Hot Seat

Throughout his career, Paul Mescal has found himself as one half of many dynamic duos. From Daisy Edgar Jones to Andrew Scott to Saoirse Ronan and now, Pedro Pascal, his friendships are plentiful. While sitting down with LADbible, though, he and his newest pal put their camaraderie to test. Armed with a series of questions, the two went head to head to see just how well they know each other. And, along the way, fans found out a slew of little known facts. For instance, Mescal is a fan of “The Greatest Showman” and Pascal can’t live without Captain Crunch. But most importantly, we learned that these two are now bonded for life.


Which one of these “Gladiator II” build-up moments was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

[b]shih-boo-YA:
https://forvo.com/search/%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7/
[c]HECK-in-GER (like German):
https://youtu.be/bUHHDr-loLo?si=nihpScTwrRTIR47f
[d]GAY-tuh:
https://youtu.be/ZqnYHRKBSX4?si=wU9mdM8K5td4hTNf&t=96
[e]CARE-uh-KELL-uh:
https://youtu.be/Ci2zahNn7_s?si=HI7FswbA0dva5nlj&t=768