In celebration of Gladiator II: Call of the Hero’s Japanese release on November 15, four main cast members attended a special talk event in Tokyo on November 4. Held as part of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, the event gave Japanese fans their first glimpse of the much-anticipated sequel. The cast, including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Fred Hechinger, shared their admiration for legendary director Ridley Scott, who returns to helm the sequel after the success of the original 2000 film, Gladiator.

Ridley Scott’s Legacy Lives On in Gladiator II

Ridley Scott is known for his masterful direction in classics like Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), and Thelma & Louise (1991). His work on the original Gladiator led to five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. The cast of Gladiator II was effusive in their praise for Scott, emphasizing his unique vision, dedication to casting, and immersive production techniques.

Paul Mescal’s First Visit to Japan and the Role of Lucius

Paul Mescal, playing the role of Lucius, expressed his excitement about portraying a man driven by vengeance and honor, sharing, “I was thrilled to embody a character whose journey from vengeance to heroism is so compelling.” Mescal detailed the grueling preparation for the intense battle scenes, recalling, “For three to four weeks, my body was put to the test. From fighting on massive ships to encounters with rhinos and baboons, this experience was truly next-level.” He credited Ridley Scott’s direction for fueling his adrenaline on set, saying, “Ridley brings so much energy to every scene. If I wasn’t energized by this, I’d have to reconsider my career!”

Denzel Washington on Working with Ridley Scott Again

For Denzel Washington, Gladiator II marks his first collaboration with Scott since American Gangster (2007). Washington praised Scott’s meticulous approach to casting, saying, “Ridley believes 70–80% of a film’s success lies in the casting, and I’m honored to be part of this remarkable cast.” He noted that Scott’s directing style allows actors to stay fully immersed in their roles, knowing they’re in expert hands.

Connie Nielsen on Returning as Lucilla

Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla, highlighted Scott’s nuanced depiction of a new era in the Roman Empire. She described how Scott subtly captures the decadence and corruption of a crumbling Rome, a stark contrast to the empire’s former glory. “Through advancements in film technology, Ridley has finally been able to bring the Rome he envisioned to the screen,” she noted, commending Scott’s innovative methods.

Fred Hechinger on Playing a Tyrant Emperor

Fred Hechinger, who plays one of the twin emperors, described the elaborate, immersive sets Scott created, which perfectly recreated the world of ancient Rome. He explained, “Everywhere you look, it’s Rome. Ridley built this expansive set with 8–12 cameras capturing every angle, which adds incredible depth to the storytelling.” Hechinger, who enjoyed the “luxury” of his emperor’s shaded seat during arena scenes, remarked on Scott’s multi-camera technique, which allowed for a continuous, dynamic capture of reactions and action.

The event concluded with a surprise appearance from Ai Hashimoto, a jury member of the festival, who presented each cast member with a bouquet, warmly welcoming them to Japan.

Source : ORICON NEWS