Paul Mescal stunned by detail at Gladiator II Sydney premiere: 'Absolutely mad'

Paul Mescal, Connie Nielson and Fred Hechinger appeared at the Sydney premiere of Gladiator II on Wednesday night.

Marni Dixit
·Senior Entertainment & Lifestyle Reporter
·3-min read
Paul Mescal at the Sydney premiere of Gladiator II
Paul Mescal had a surprising reaction to the Sydney crowd that showed up at the Gladiator II premiere. Photo: Getty and Supplied

Paul Mescal made a lot of Aussies' dreams come true on Wednesday after the Normal People actor greeted fans at the ICC in Sydney for the Australian premiere of Gladiator II. The star, who plays Russell Crowe's on-screen son in the film, was joined by producer Michael Pruss and co-stars Connie Nielson and Fred Hechinger.

The stars walked the red carpet and posed for selfies with fans who had been waiting hours to catch a glimpse of the actors, especially Paul. The 28-year-old's stylist, Felicity Kay, revealed on Instagram that he wore a custom brown Gucci suit for the occasion, and he looked absolutely divine.

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"My Roman Empire," one Instagram user said of Paul, while others said they were "obsessed" and that he looked "stunning".

Paul Mescal with Australian fans at the Gladiator II premiere
Paul meets Australian fans and said they 'made his absolute day'. Photo: Getty

After taking the stage at the ICC, Paul was asked about the film but appeared a little stunned and told the crowd, "I just want to say that this is absolutely f***ing mad!"

He continued, "To be here with friends, and to be walking along the red carpet to see this amount of people so far away from home, it really isn't lost on us."

Paul went on to speak about the life-changing role, saying, "I actually don't want to talk too much about the film because you're about to see it, and I always think that curses something, but I think the person that I do want to talk about, who's not here... is the great Sir Ridley Scott, who has changed my life today, probably Connie's 24 years ago, Fred's and Mike's.

"He is one of the greatest to ever do it. He's one of my friends that I will cherish for the longest time, but ultimately, this is a night to see 2400 people in here to celebrate cinema – that's a massive success in my book.

"And anyone who waited on that red carpet, you've made my absolute day, so thank you so much for being here."

Michael Pruss, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen and Paul Mescal at the Sydney premiere of Gladiator II
Michael Pruss, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen and Paul pose on the carpet at the Sydney premiere for Gladiator II. Photo: Getty

When asked how she felt about the journey of getting to Gladiator II after filming the first movie in 1999, Connie told the crowd "it feels surreal" to be back.

"I really can't say it any other way," she said. "It's just so crazy to come back into this incredibly rich world that Gladiator II is, as a continuation of Gladiator I. And because of Ridley Scott, and the kind of world he builds, it's so nuanced, it's so textured, and so amazing and deep and, this time, I just have been so blessed with this incredible cast to work with as well."

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