For those about to sweat: How Paul Mescal got fighting fit for Gladiator II

Paul Mescal has helped to popularise a functionally and aesthetically impressive body type. We can achieve healthier muscles and a stronger physique too

Kildare man Paul Mescal looking ready for battle in the trailer for 'Gladiator II'. Image via YouTube

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is the blockbuster film event of the season, but the excitement about the long-awaited sequel to the legendary director’s 2000 Oscar-winning epic centres firmly on the performance — and appearance — of Paul Mescal.

Admitting he had no previous experience of bodybuilding or working out, the 28-year-old Irish actor transformed himself for the lead role of Lucius in the film, reportedly adding over 8kg of solid muscle to his 180cm frame, earning the nickname ‘Brick Wall Paul’ from co-star Pedro Pascal.