‘Gladiator 2’ Star Paul Mescal Not Happy with Movies Being Reffered To as ‘Content’: ‘It’s Not Content. It’s F—ing Work.’

Paul Mescal, star of “Gladiator II” and Oscar nominee for “Aftersun,” recently spoke to The Sunday Times about how he dislikes the term “content” for describing films. He finds the word offensive, especially for movies like Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel, which are made with serious craftsmanship and not just to gain social media followers.

In recent years, people have started calling films ‘content.’ That’s a dirty word. It’s not ‘content,’ it’s real work. I’m not trying to be pretentious, but there are two industries here. One is more focused on Instagram followers and doesn’t prioritize artistic care. And then there’s the other — the craft of filmmaking, with directing, lighting, and design. That’s what keeps artists going.

Known for his role in “Aftersun” and his breakout role in Hulu’s “Normal People,” Mescal is now stepping into blockbuster territory, leading “Gladiator II” with Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn. He previously told The Times UK he’d be “deeply unhappy” if the sequel made him extremely famous.

I’ll know more next year, but if the film changes my life in that way, I’d be in a rough spot. I’d have to go and do an obscure play no one wants to watch.

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“Gladiator II” releases in theaters nationwide on November 22. Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!