Gladiator 2’s story follows Lucius as his family is murdered by Rome’s emperors, Caracalla and Geta.
There are some specific reasons forGladiator 2’s Lucius recast and Paul Mescal replacing Spencer Treat Clark.
Ridley Scott spent decades developing the sequel before it was finally in a spot where it could happen.
The result is the follow-up coming 24 years after the first film, and that meant Clark aging considerably.
That presented a problem forGladiator 2and how Scott wanted to portray Lucius.
It is for that reason that it became too difficult for Clark to realistically return as Lucius.
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While he is not returning forGladiator II, he has steadily worked throughout the years.
Clark followed up that breakout year with a role in Clint Eastwood’sMystic Riverin 2003.
This led to him landing roles in smaller films and horror titles through the start of the 2010s.
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Casting a new Lucius proved to have additional expectations beyond just carrying forward a character Clark previously played.
Scott toldTotal Filmthat"I kept thinking about Paul"while developingGladiator 2as a result of watchingNormal People.
The movie looks so good, and Paul’s going to do such a great job.
I’ve actually heard great things about the movie… You were Lucius in Gladiator,' is so wild.
But I’m really excited to see the movie and to see what Paul brings to it.
And yeah, it comes out soon.
So I’m excited for it.
The support from Spencer Treat Clark forGladiator 2and Mescal is encouraging.
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