Was Paul Mescal being ‘not masculine enough’ the reason Gladiator II flopped?
Mescal’s nuanced performance in Ridley Scott’s belated sequel has been blamed by some for the film’s box office underperformance. May I suggest Jason Statham for Gladiator III?
TL;DR
- The film 'The Dog Stars' has received lukewarm to poor reviews and underperformed at the box office.
- Speculation exists regarding the reasons for the film's underperformance, including its vague title and casting.
- One theory suggests director Ridley Scott blamed actor Paul Mescal for the underperformance of 'Gladiator II', believing Mescal was not 'masculine enough'.
- The article discusses the complexity of masculinity and how Mescal's performances often portray nuanced, sometimes sad, male characters.
- It contrasts Mescal's ability to portray emotional depth with a more traditional, blunt form of masculinity, exemplified by Russell Crowe's performance in the first 'Gladiator'.
- The author suggests that if the rumor is true, Scott himself is to blame for choosing the wrong actor for the role.
- The article humorously suggests Jason Statham for a potential 'Gladiator III'.