Pedro Pascal is a layered anti-hero in ‘Gladiator 2’, this year’s massive Roman epic

Pedro Pascal is gearing up for the release of “Gladiator 2.” As one of the biggest stars working in films and television today, Pascal has had first-hand experience with some of the world’s best directors and filmmakers. He says nothing compares, in terms of scope, to the vision of Ridley Scott and the set of his Roman epic. 

It’s easy to think of the Chilean-born Pascal as a Hollywood fixture. While his face now pervades franchises and epics, his story is that of a working actor, one who got his start with dozens of small credits in TV shows that defined eras, like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Good Wife,” “Homeland,” and more.

Pascal’s breakout famously came with “Game of Thrones.” He appeared in the series’ fourth season, at the height of Thrones’ dominance over television, a pop culture moment that’s been impossible to replicate since. While his role was small in the grand scheme of things, it launched his career.

As of this writing, Pascal has been honored with some of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions. Last year, he made history as the Latino with the most Emmy nominations in a single year, receiving nods for his work in “The Last of Us” as lead drama actor, “Saturday Night Live” as guest comedy actor, and “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World” as narrator. His lead drama actor nomination was groundbreaking, marking the first time in over a decade that a Latino was nominated in the category, the last being Jimmy Smits in 1999 for “NYPD Blue”.

Pascal also celebrated a career milestone by winning his first Screen Actors Guild Award, a moment that deeply moved him. As the 49 year old actor accepted the award onstage, he reflected on his journey, sharing that he’d been a SAG member since 1999 and was incredibly honored to be rewarded by his fellow actors.

Next year, Pascal is starring in “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a film that’s expected to launch a new era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s also a key cast member of “Gladiator 2,” premiering this Friday.

In a recent interview shared with HOLA! by the studio, Pascal opened up about his work with Ridley Scott, one of the world’s most emblematic directors, and his friendship with the film’s star, Paul Mescal.

“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 large productions. And I’ve not been on anything like ‘Gladiator 2’ and I’m not likely to be on anything like ‘Gladiator 2.’ again.” 

“It’s not done anymore,” he says of Scott’s approach to working, which relies on old-school filmmaking, filled with tangible objects and real explosions. Scott’s sets are made up of large crews that don’t rely on the aid of CGI for stunning sights, bombs, and stunt work, many of which abound in “Gladiator 2,” a film that takes Roman excess to heart.

“Ridley is the kind of director who insists that all the pieces be in place. He has multiple cameras going on at once so that all of the things are there in front of you,” explains Pascal.

Pascal also described his admiration for his co-star Mescal, who’s leading his first massive production after doing some critically acclaimed independent work. “I knew he would be my friend,” he said. 

“And I was just sort of like, waiting. As soon as I got to Morocco, I was like, where’s Paul?”

“It couldn’t have felt more safe and strangely dangerous to have an immediate connection with an actor so that we could beat the shit out of each other as best as possible,” he said with a smile.

More details about ‘Gladiator 2’

“Gladiator 2” is one of the most anticipated sequels ever. The original film, released in 2000, stars Russel Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed and sold as a slave. With no other opportunities, Maximus becomes a gladiator, rising through the ranks of the arena in hopes of avenging the murder of his family.

The sequel follows the story of Maximus’ son, Lucius, played by Mescal, who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded and he’s taken in as a prisoner of war.

Pascal plays General Marcus Acacius, a character that rapidly becomes Lucius’ enemy. While Acacius is in many ways one of the film’s antagonists, the role, and Pascal’s performance, are imbued with layers. “One of my favorite things about the character is his context in terms of one of the original beloved characters of the first movie,” explains Pascal. He describes Acacius as part of the “connective tissue” of the “Gladiator” universe.

Similarities between Pascal and Marcus Acacius

Pascal reflected on the similarities between himself and General Marcus Acacius. “The way that I’m similar to my character is that he’s very loyal. And I believe myself to be a very, very loyal person, loyal to my friends and family.”

In terms of differences, Pascal had a very practical answer. “The difference being that I would never get into an arena with any actor more than 20 years younger than myself,” he said with a smile.

The physical toll of ‘Gladiator 2’

Pascal also discussed the preparation he took to be a part of the film, which involved a lot of fight scenes and physical effort. 

“I prepared for this role by training, mainly,” he said. When it comes to character work, he tried to immerse himself in the work of Ridley Scott, something that turned out to be pretty enjoyable.

“Instead of studying Roman history, I used it as an excuse to rewatch all of my favorite Ridley Scott movies. And to just let my imagination fill itself with his visual authorship of cinema. And to just kind of unconsciously deliver myself into his vision, be a set piece, and honor the movement of his visuals as best as I could.”

“It’s not very actorly, but more kind of like… I know what instrument I am and make myself the best instrument for him to play.” Then, with a laugh, he said “I just think about Ridley making myself a clarinet and Ridley just being like, this is Pedro, my clarinet.” 

Pascal attended the London premiere with his sister, Lux Pascal, with both looking stunning in black outfits. Her companionship was unsurprising given how often he speaks of his family, in particular, of his positive relationship with his siblings.

Last year, at the 2023 Oscars, Pascal attended the event with his older sister, the producer Javiera Balmaceda. The two have carved out their names in Hollywood, with her being featured as one of The Hollywood Reporters‘ “Most Powerful Women Working on International Television,” a title that Pascal proudly shared on his social media.  

As to 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,” said Pascal. “It is a powerful ensemble cast led incredibly by Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott.” 

“Gladiator 2” premieres in theaters this November 22nd in the US.