Pedro Pascal is gearing up for the release of “Gladiator 2”. As one of the biggest stars working in film and television today, Pascal has first-hand experience with the world’s best directors and filmmakers. In terms of scope, he says, nothing compares to Ridley Scott’s vision and his Roman epic sets.
It’s easy to think of the Chilean-born Pascal as a Hollywood fixture. Although his face now spans franchises and epics, his story is that of a working actor who began with dozens of small credits on era-defining TV shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Good Wife,” “Homeland,” and A lot more.
© Getty ImagesPascal’s breakout famously came with “Game of Thrones.” He appeared in the series’ fourth season, at the height of Thrones’ dominance of television, a pop culture moment that has been impossible to replicate since. Although his role was small in the grand scheme of things, it launched his career.
As of this writing, Pascal has been honored with the industry’s most prestigious recognition. Last year, he made history as the Latino with the most Emmy nominations in a single year, receiving nods for his work on “The Last of Us” as a lead drama actor, “Saturday Night Live” as a guest comedy actor and “Patagonia:” Life on the Edge of the World” as the narrator. His lead drama actor nomination was groundbreaking, the first time a Latino was nominated in the category in more than a decade, the last being Jimmy Smits in 1999 for “NYPD Blue.”
Pascal celebrated a career milestone by winning his first Screen Actors Guild Award, a moment that moved him deeply. As the 49-year-old actor accepted the award onstage, he reflected on his journey, sharing that he’s been a SAG member since 1999 and was incredibly honored to be honored by his fellow actors.
© Paramount PicturesNext year, Pascal is starring in “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a film expected to usher in a new era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is also an original cast member of “Gladiator 2,” premiering this Friday.
In a recent interview, HOLA shared! In the studio, Pascal opened up about his work with one of the world’s most iconic directors, Ridley Scott, and his friendship with the film’s star, Paul Mescal.
“Being on the set of a Ridley Scott film is like no other movie experience I’ve ever had. And I mean that in all sincerity.”
“I’ve been on incredible sets. I’ve been on the set of ‘Game of Thrones,’ I’ve been on the set of ‘Star Wars.’ Incredibly big production and I’ve never been in anything like ‘Gladiator 2’ and I’ll never be in anything like ‘Gladiator 2’ again.”
© Paramount Pictures“It’s not done anymore,” he says of Scott’s way of working, which relies on old-school filmmaking, filled with real objects and real explosions. Scott’s sets consist of large crews who don’t rely on the help of CGI for the stunning scenery, bombs and stunt work, many of which are in “Gladiator 2,” that give the Romans extra heart.
“Ridley is a director who insists that all the pieces be in place. He has multiple cameras running simultaneously so that everything is in front of you,” explains Pascal.
“It’s the kind of old-school entertainment that does things that can only be done in movies now.”
Pascal also described his admiration for his co-star Mescal, who is leading his first major production after some critically acclaimed independent work. “I knew he would be my friend,” she said.
© Paramount Pictures“And I was just like, waiting. As soon as I got to Morocco, I was like, where’s Paul?”
“It couldn’t feel more safe and oddly dangerous to connect with an actor immediately so we can beat the crap out of each other as much as possible,” he said with a laugh.
“Audiences can expect to be as incredibly entertained by Gladiator 2 as they were with the first film. It’s a strong ensemble cast.”
More details on ‘Gladiator 2’
“Gladiator 2” is one of the most anticipated sequels ever. The original film, released in 2000, starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed and sold into slavery. With no other options, Maximus becomes a gladiator, rising through the ranks in hopes of avenging his family’s murder.
© Paramount PicturesThe sequel follows the story of Maximus’ son Lucius, played by Mescal, who becomes a gladiator after his home is attacked and is taken as a prisoner of war.
Pascal plays General Marcus Acacius, a character who quickly becomes Lucius’ enemy. Although Acacias is in many ways one of the film’s antagonists, the role and Pascal’s performance are tied to the level. “One of my favorite things about the character is its context in terms of one of the original beloved characters from the first film,” explains Pascal. He describes acacias as part of the “connective tissue” of the “Gladiator” universe.
© Paramount PicturesSimilarities Between Pascal and Marcus Acacius
Pascal reflected on the similarities between himself and General Marcus Acacius. “The way I resemble my character is that she’s very loyal. And I believe myself to be a very, very loyal person, loyal to my friends and family.”
Given the difference, Pascal had a very practical answer. “The difference is I’ll never go out with an actor 20 years younger than myself,” he says with a smile.
Physical damage in ‘Gladiator 2’
Pascal also discussed the preparation he went through to be a part of the film, which involved a lot of fight scenes and physical exertion.
“I basically prepared for this role through training,” he said. In terms of character work, he tried to immerse himself in Ridley Scott’s work, which turned out to be quite enjoyable.
“Instead of studying Roman history, I used it as an excuse to rewatch my favorite Ridley Scott films. And just to let my imagination fill with the visual authorship of his movies. And just to unconsciously transport myself to his vision, be a set piece. , and respect the movement of his visuals as best I can.”
“It’s not so much an act, but more of a … I know what instrument I am and I’ve made myself the best instrument for it.” Then, laughing, “I’m just thinking of making Ridley a clarinet myself, and like Ridley, this Pedro, my clarinet.”
© Getty ImagesPascale attended the London premiere with her sister, Lux Pascale, both looking stunning in black dresses. His companionship was not surprising given how often he spoke of his family, particularly, his positive relationship with his siblings.
Last year, at the 2023 Oscars, Pascal attended the event with her older sister, producer Javira Balmaceda. Two have carved their names in Hollywood, of which he is identified as one The Hollywood Reporters‘ “The most powerful woman working in international television,” a title Pascal proudly shared on her social media.
On how audiences can prepare for “Gladiator 2,” Pascal makes it clear that theatergoers are in for an immersive cinematic experience.
“Audiences can expect to be incredibly entertained,” Pascal said. “It’s a strong team led incredibly by Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott.
“Gladiator 2” premieres in US theaters this November 22nd.
