Paul Mescal reprising his A Streetcar Named Desire West End role — delaying Gladiator sequel

Virgin Radio

27 Jan 2023, 12:59

The 2000's Gladiator sequel is said to be taking a small backseat because main man Paul Mescal is due to extend his stage time as Stan Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire putting his role as Lucius on the backburner.

The acclaimed play has bagged a limited six-week run heading from north London’s Almeida Theatre to the West End's Phoenix Theatre from March 20 to April 29. This will mean Sir Ridley Scott’s long-awaited second offering to the blockbuster has been pushed back by ‘roughly two weeks’ from its original March 2023 start date, according to Deadline.

Paul said of the play’s new home: "I’m incredibly excited that Streetcar is being transferred to the West End with this formidable cast and creative team, led by the exceptionally talented Rebecca Frecknall.

"It’s my favourite play and it’s wonderful to be able to share it with a wider audience."

Director Rebecca added: "I’m thrilled we will have the opportunity to share this production with a wider audience. It’s a testament to this fantastic company and incredible play.

"It’s been moving to see how audiences have responded to our work and I’m excited to see how the piece will evolve in the West End."

Mescal will lead Gladiator 2 as Lucius Versus, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus. 

Russell Crowe, who starred as Maximus in the original film, recently confirmed the upcoming feature won’t be a ‘direct sequel’. He told the Fitzy and Wippa podcast: "Yeah we’ve had dinner and talked about it and all that stuff. So I know roughly how he’s shaping the story.

"If you remember, there was a young kid who wanted to beat the Gladiator, which leads to the 'My name is' speech.

"So that young kid has grown up and he’s now the Emperor. I don’t know what else happens at that point, so that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake. And it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like the day after, you know, 30 years later or something."

Normal People star Paul has just been nominated for his role in drama Aftersun. Here's more on the Oscars 2023 hopefuls.