Original gladiator star Spencer Treat Clark told People How he really feels about his character being played by Paul Mescal Gladiator II It will be released on November 22.
Clark, 37, played young Lucius Verus, son of Maximus (Russell Crowe), in Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning 2000 epic. Although Clark had a successful career in film and television, Scott did not ask him to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel. Instead, the role went to 28-year-old Oscar nominee Mescal, who Scott cast after seeing his breakout role. Normal People.
While introducing his role in the new adaptation of Max Salem's LotClark revealed his true feelings about seeing Mescal play the role he created. “The movie looks beautiful and Paul will do a great job,” Clark said. “I've actually heard great things about the movie.”
Clark, who later went on to star in mad man, Animal Kingdomand M. Night Shyamalan GlassHe noted that he made the original gladiator “25 years ago”, that's a long time in anyone's career. He doesn't feel any resentment about being replaced, but he finds it funny that he's approached by fans who can't believe he's getting old.
“I feel like it was 25 years ago, but some people saw me as an adult and said, 'Oh my God, you're right. You were Lucius.' gladiator' question is crazy,” Clark said. “But I'm really excited to see the movie and see what Paul will bring to it,” he continued. “And yes, it's coming out soon. So I'm excited for that.”
Clark's view differs slightly from Crowe's, who admitted in June that he was “a little uncomfortable” with the focus shifting to Mescal's character in the sequel. “I look back: The age when I made that movie and what happened afterwards are the doors that movie opened for me. “I'm being completely honest: There's definitely some melancholy, some jealousy.”
Gladiator II In theaters on November 22. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and the original gladiator star Connie Nielsen stars opposite Mescal. You can check out the trailer below.