Paul Mescal has opened up about his new movie Gladiator II sharing a release date with Wicked.

The Normal People actor has broken his silence after it was revealed the big budget films would both open in cinemas worldwide on 22 November.

The box office head-to-head has been dubbed ‘Glicked’ and Paul has insisted he hopes both films enjoy success.

“Wickdiator doesn’t really roll off the tongue does it? I think my preference would probably be Glicked if it has a similar effect to what it did for Barbie and Oppenheimer,” Paul revealed in an interview with ET.

“It would be amazing ’cause I think the films couldn’t be more polar opposites and it worked in that context previously. So fingers crossed people come out and see both films on opening weekend.”

The release of Gladiator II and Wicked has been compared to last summer’s box office battle between Barbie and Oppenheimer, dubbed Barbenheimer.

The movies opened on 21 July 2023 and saw film fans flock to cinemas worldwide – resulting in both becoming box office smashes.

Film bosses are hoping Gladiator II and Wicked can recreate the same buzz this year.

Wicked director Jon M. Chu named the clash ‘Glicked’ after it was recently announced that his musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo would be released earlier than previously planned.

“#Glicked November 22nd. Bring… everyone . #Erivo #Grande #Washington #Pascal #Mescal #Goldblum #Yeoh #Bailey #Scott #Chu & You’,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The first official trailer for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II was released on Tuesday.

The clip promised plenty of epic fight scenes, including one where Paul’s character Lucius Verus – the former heir to the Roman Empire who must fight for his life after being taken into slavery – battles a rhino.

Gladiator II also stars Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi.

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