Gladiator II’ stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger discussed filming Ridley Scott’s sequel at a special screening on the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles on Oct.

Ridley Scott may not have been present for the first major screening of “Gladiator II” on Friday night on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles, but the 86-year-old director was the favorite topic of conversation for stars Paul Mescal,

Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here.

Paul Mescal tried to downplay his nervousness ahead of “Gladiator II.” According to the lead star of the highly-anticipated sequel, director Ridley Scott advised him to leave his nerves at the door before starting production.

Ridley Scott had some blunt words of wisdom before filming Gladiator II.

Paul Mescal was "s*******" himself on the first day of 'Gladiator II' filming but director Sir Ridley Scott soon put paid to his nerves.

Saoirse Ronan turned out to support her pal Paul Mescal as his new movie – the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel – was screened for the first time in LA. The Irish stars have been firm friends since they starred alongside eachother in psychological thriller Foe and partied together at Glastonbury during the summer.