Paul Mescal’s intense performance in Gladiator 2 shines, especially in a grueling rhino scene, bringing Ridley Scott’s long-awaited vision to life.

Paul Mescal’s performance in Gladiator 2 was surely brilliant and filled with raw emotions. But he had to do a few things on set that he was quite unfamiliar with, having only worked on projects that were more mellow, and not very action-packed.

Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2 | Paramount Pictures

There was one particular scene that The Normal People actor found difficult, despite all his rigorous physical training and preparation for the role. So, let’s delve into what exactly it was, and how it is linked to the first Gladiator movie.

The Scene in Gladiator 2 That Was Difficult For Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal | Buzzfeed Celeb/YouTube

In an interview with Buzzfeed Celeb, he revealed that they were filming in 42-degree heat, and candidly spoke about the most challenging moment, “The one with the rhino taking the biscuit, I would say.” Now, imagine standing in a Colosseum under the burning sun, with the dust swirling, and facing an enlarged rhinoceros.

For Paul Mescal, this wasn’t a hypothetical situation, it was reality. The physicality of all the stunts was definitely intense, but the rhino sequence shoot, even though CGI, was demanding for the actor. Reportedly, the particular scene that involved the giant and hardened animal, delayed the shoot several times (via Entertainment Weekly).

However, the payoff for the same was worth it! Through blood, sweat, tears, and delays, they filmed a heart-pounding scene that became a visual spectacle. Surprisingly, Ridley Scott wanted to include the animal, even in the first Gladiator but wasn’t successful.

Ridley Scott’s Long-Awaited Rhino Dream

Ridley Scott | BAFTA Guru/YouTube

It wasn’t Ridley Scott’s first time desiring rhinoceros into the Colosseum! He had envisioned a similar scene for Maximus in the first part and wanted to show a formidable face-off against the beast. But as per reports, this would have cost him a lot because the early 2000s CGI had many logistical challenges (via Collider).

So he abandoned the idea but kept it at the back of his head. And nearly two decades later, when he had all the resources to implement it, Scott went all in! The inclusion of the rhino in Gladiator II fulfilled his long dream and also honored the franchise’s legacy.

Paul Mescal has delivered an amazing performance despite all the challenges they faced during the filming. His scene with the rhino was grueling, and a great cinematic moment for all the fans. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of the original or a newcomer to the franchise, this film promises to leave you breathless, just like Mescal facing down that rhino.