Paul Mescal as Lucius looking nostalgic in Gladiator IIGladiator 2 star Paul Mescal reveals how he reacted to the Maximus twist. Directed once again by Ridley Scott, the sequel follows a similar story involving an older Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), as he is forced into becoming a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman army during the rule of corrupt co-emperors. After decades of speculation, the second Gladiator 2 trailer revealed that Lucius is in fact the son of Maximus, Russell Crowe’s character from the original Gladiator.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Paul Mescal revealed his reaction to the Maximus twist in Gladiator 2. The star first learned about the twist during his early discussions with director Ridley Scott, and his initial reaction was “Oh sh*t.” However, he says the twist didn’t add too much extra pressure to the already demanding role, and it ultimately didn’t affect his approach to the character. Read his comments below:

I think it probably made me more excited in the sense that the nerves, regardless of the character’s lineage, would exist because of how well-received and how brilliant the first film is.

What Paul Mescal’s Reaction To Gladiator 2’s Maximus Twist Means For The Movie

One Of Its Biggest Reveals Has Been Spoiled

Paul Mescal as Lucius bleeding and holding a sword in Gladiator 2 Paul Mescal picking up sand as Lucius in Gladiator II (2024) next to Russell Crowe as Maximum from Gladiator (2000) Russel Crowe as Maximus in Gladiator and Paul Mescal as Lucius in Gladiator 2 Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal yell while fighting in the Colosseum in Gladiator 2 Paul Mescal as Lucius looking at Maximus' armor and sword in Gladiator 2Paul Mescal as Lucius bleeding and holding a sword in Gladiator 2
Paul Mescal picking up sand as Lucius in Gladiator II (2024) next to Russell Crowe as Maximum from Gladiator (2000) Russel Crowe as Maximus in Gladiator and Paul Mescal as Lucius in Gladiator 2 Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal yell while fighting in the Colosseum in Gladiator 2 Paul Mescal as Lucius looking at Maximus' armor and sword in Gladiator 2

The original Gladiator doesn’t provide any clear indication that Lucius is the son of Maximus, but there is an obvious bond between Russell Crowe’s character and Lucilla, so it’s easy to imagine that they may have had a romantic relationship. As a result, it’s been speculated since the original movie was released in 2000 that Lucius may be the son of Maximus. It’s obvious why Ridley Scott, directing a script by David Scarpa with a story co-written with Peter Craig, decided to take this route, though it is curious why it was revealed in the trailer.

Evidenced by Paul Mescal’s “Oh sh*t” reaction, Lucius being the son of Maximus is a surprising twist, even though it’s been speculated for decades. Perhaps there are more surprises in store in the sequel, though as it stands right now, this is perhaps the biggest reveal that it has to offer. Spoiling it in the trailer is a questionable choice, especially when it would have undoubtedly been more emotionally impactful within the context and pacing of the actual movie.

Our Take On Paul Mescal’s Reaction To Gladiator 2’s Maximus Twist

Audiences Could Have The Same Reaction

Paul Mescal’s candid reaction to the Maximus twist in Gladiator 2, an incredulous “Oh sh*t,” captures the essence of how impactful it could have been for audiences. While the actor’s excitement for the role remained intact, and it didn’t affect his approach to the character, revealing this major plot point in the trailer diminishes its emotional impact. The reveal of Lucius being the son of Maximus could have been saved for the actual movie and the trailer spoiling such a major twist may have undermined the effectiveness of the powerful moment in Gladiator 2.