‘Gladiator’ Star Reveals True Feelings on Paul Mescal Replacing Him for Sequel

Original Gladiator star Spencer Treat Clark told People how he really feels about his character being played by Paul Mescal in Gladiator II due out Nov. 22.

Clark, 37, played the young Lucius Verus, son of Maximus (Russell Crowe), in Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning 2000 epic. Although Clark has gone on to have a successful career in film and TV, he wasn’t asked by Scott to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel. The role instead went to 28-year-old Oscar-nominee Mescal, whom Scott cast after seeing his breakout role in Normal People.

While promoting his role in Max’s new adaptation of Salem’s Lot, Clark revealed his true feelings about seeing Mescal play the role he originated. "The movie looks so good, and Paul's going to do such a great job," Clark said. "I've actually heard great things about the movie."

Clark, who has gone on to have roles in Mad Men, Animal Kingdom, and M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass, noted that he made the original Gladiator "25 years ago," which is quite a long time in anyone’s career. He doesn’t have any hard feelings about being replaced, but he does find it humorous when approached by fans who can’t believe he’s gotten older.

"I feel like it was 25 years ago, but for some people, seeing me as an adult and being like, 'Oh my God, you're right. You were Lucius in Gladiator,' is so wild," Clark said. "But I'm really excited to see the movie and to see what Paul brings to it," he continued. "And yeah, it comes out soon. So I'm excited for it."

Clark’s opinion is slightly different than that of Crowe, who in June admitted that he’s “slightly uncomfortable” with the sequel shifting focus to Mescal’s character. “I reflect back: The age I was when I made that film and all the things that came after it, the doors that particular movie opened for me. This is just me being purely honest: There’s definitely a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy.”

Gladiator II hits theaters on Nov. 22. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and original Gladiator star Connie Nielsen star alongside Mescal. You can check out the trailer below.