Paul Mescal was “incapacitated” by the prospect of working alongside Denzel Washington on Gladiator II.

Getting the lead role in Gladiator II meant the Irish actor had to overcome two major anxieties: acting on the biggest film set he’d ever seen and going head-to-head with the Oscar-winning star.

In a cover interview with GQ, the Normal People actor admitted he was very nervous leading up to his first day with Washington.

“I built it up in my head,” he shared. “I was like, ‘Okay, today’s the day that Denzel’s going to be on set.’ And I was so incapacitated by it that I suddenly was like, ‘This is so f**king stupid. I have a job to do.'”

Despite his anxiety, Mescal got the seal of approval from Washington, who told GQ his co-star was a pro on set and “knew what he was doing”.

“It’s easy to work off of him because he’s giving you something. There’s a quiet dignity and a strength and intelligence that he has, even just when he’s standing there,” he praised.

Mescal plays Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the late Maximus (Russell Crowe), in Ridley Scott’s upcoming sequel to his 2000 epic Gladiator. In the follow-up, Lucius is forced to fight as a gladiator, while Washington plays a wealthy powerbroker in Rome who has inspirations to be Emperor.

Gladiator II will be released in cinemas from 15 November.

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