Lucius returns inGladiator II, but the actor playing the original movie character has been recast for specific reasons. After Ridley Scott made the originalGladiatorin 2000, the possibility of a sequel lingered for years before the final iteration ofGladiator 2fell into place. Instead of exploring Maximus' return afterGladiator’s endingas once considered, the sequel shifted its focus to be about the Roman empire a few decades later. This was done so that Lucius, Lucilla’s son in the original movie, could return as the main character.
Gladiator 2’s story follows Lucius as his family is murdered by Rome’s emperors, Caracalla and Geta. He is forced into slavery and takes it upon himself to fight back and seek revenge.Gladiator 2’s castmostly introduces new historical figures to be part of Lucius' journey, with Connie Nielsen returning as Lucilla from the first film. However, Ridley Scott did not bringGladiator’s Lucius actor Spencer Treat Clark back, opting instead to recast the young star from the original. There are some specific reasons forGladiator 2’s Lucius recast and Paul Mescal replacing Spencer Treat Clark.
Gladiator 2’s Timeline Ruled Out Bringing Spencer Treat Clark Back As Lucius
Spencer Treat Clark’s Age Was A Problem
The key issue with bringing Spencer Treat Clark back as Lucius after the original movie wasGladiator 2’s timeline. 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. Whereas he was only 11 years old when he filmedGladiator,the actor was 36 years old by the time the sequel finally entered production. That presented a problem forGladiator 2and how Scott wanted to portray Lucius.
The decision to castPaul Mescal as Lucius inGladiator 2comes from Ridley Scott’s desire to have the character feel and look younger. Although the sequel’s official plot synopsis says that the film takes place over two decades after the events of the original film, the director previously toldRotten Tomatoesthat the story takes place roughly 12 to 15 years after Lucius was separated from his mother at the age of 12. That meansLucius needs to be about 24 to 27 years old in the sequel, which is much younger than Clark.
Every Real Historical Figure In Gladiator 2
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator movies, including Gladiator II, include several characters that are based on real historical figures from the Roman Empire.
With Spencer Treat Clark becoming too old to play Lucius again,Paul Mescal was found to be the perfect age. He was only 27 years old when filming began, and he can pass for a few years younger if necessary.Gladiator 2’s timeline is shorter than how much time passed in real life, so the nine-year age difference between Mescal and Clark makes an even bigger difference. It is for that reason that it became too difficult for Clark to realistically return as Lucius.
What Spencer Treat Clark Has Done Since Gladiator
The Actor Has Continued To Work Over The Years
Gladiatorwas one of Spencer Treat Clark’s earliest acting credits, and it is still one of his most notable all these years later. While he is not returning forGladiator II, he has steadily worked throughout the years. This included starring inUnbreakablethe same year asGladiator, andhe returned as his character in M. Night Shyamalan’s sequelGlassin 2019. 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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Salem’s Lot
While Clark had single episode appearances on shows likeThe Good Wife,The Closer,Mad Men, andNCIS,his bigger successes on the small screen came withAgents of SHIELDandAnimal Kingdom. He had a recurring role on ABC’s Marvel series in seasons 3 and 5, while he appeared in the first four seasons of TNT’s crime drama. BeforeGladiator II’s release, Clark found a few more notable roles, including a recurring spot onTrackerseason 1 and a part inSalem’s Lot’s cast as Mike Ryerson.
Why Ridley Scott Chose Paul Mescal To Be Lucius In Gladiator 2
Paul Mescal Fulfilled Scott’s Vision For Lucius
Once it was clear that Spencer Treat Clark could not return and thatGladiator 2needed to recast Lucius, Paul Mescal was ultimately selected as the choice. Casting a new Lucius proved to have additional expectations beyond just carrying forward a character Clark previously played. Ridley Scott knew thatGladiator 2needed an actor at the center of it who could be as charismatic and big as Russell Crowe was in the original. The movie could not have a lacking lead or anyone who would not be a believable and suitable replacement for Crowe’s Maximus.
Scott’s interest in wanting to find someone who could be as big of a star as Russell Crowe is what led him to cast Mescal. The director first experienced his talents by watchingNormal People, which gave Mescal an Emmy nomination and a BAFTA win. Scott toldTotal Filmthat"I kept thinking about Paul"while developingGladiator 2as a result of watchingNormal People. So when it came time to cast the role, his choice was clear, and Paramount executives and producers signed off after seeing Mescal on stage performingA Streetcar Named Desire.
What Spencer Treat Clark Has Said About Gladiator 2’s Lucius Recasting
The Original Gladiator Actor Addressed Not Returning
Even though Spencer Treat Clark does not return forGladiator 2, his connection to the original film and Lucius means that his thoughts on how the franchise is evolving his character are wanted. While doing press to promoteSalem’s Lot,Peopleasked Clark directly for his opinion on the sequel recasting Lucius instead of bringing him back. While he could have been very negative about the decision and missed out on the opportunity to headline a major production like this,Clark’s response toGladiator 2recasting Luciuswas overwhelminglypositive in his excitement for the movieand Mescal’s performance.
The movie looks so good, and Paul’s going to do such a great job. I’ve actually heard great things about the movie… 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. 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. He seems to understand the reasons behind Lucius being recast andhas no ill will towards Scott for his decision or Mescal for taking over the role. It’s unknown if Clark and Mescal have specifically connected to discuss Lucius' evolution or what it is like playing him. It certainly could have been nice to see Clark be given a career-altering opportunity to leadGladiator II, so him setting that aside to root on the sequel and its new Lucius actor is great to see.
