Paul Mescal took his Gladiator II role to new heights during his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL) this weekend.
The 28-year-old Irish actor is known for his powerful performance in the historical epic.
PAUL MESCAL’S SINGING SKILLS
He added a surprising twist by turning the film into a musical in a hilarious sketch, according Geo News.
Fans across the world couldn’t contain their excitement, praising his impressive singing and dancing skills.
The sketch, a comedic take on the success of Moana 2 and Wicked: Part One, imagined Gladiator II as a Broadway-style musical.
The concept was simple: If Wicked and Moana could find success with song-filled adaptations, why not give Gladiator II the same treatment?
“After some rushed reshoots,” the sketch joked, “50 minutes of songs have been added” to the film, a cheeky reference to the long runtime of the Wicked film.
PAUL MESCAL ON SNL
In the parody, Mescal’s character, Lucius, gazes at his sword and sings a reflective ballad.
“They look at me and all they see is a killing machine, but they don’t know that far below I’m so much more than I seem.”
The contrast between the brutal, action-packed narrative of Gladiator II and the romantic musical number was as absurd as it was funny, according to US Magazine.
To add to the drama, the character bursts into an elaborate dance routine, twirling and flipping with impressive energy and precision.
PAUL MESCAL SKIT
Kenan Thompson, a longtime SNL cast member, joined Mescal in the skit. He provided comic relief with his own song, “No Place Like Home.”
Thus was a playful jab at Wicked’s references to The Wizard of Oz.
The satire didn’t stop there. At one point, a mock quote from Gladiator II director Ridley Scott appears, humourously.
“I was not told about this,” poking fun at the absurdity of turning a violent epic into a musical.
Mescal’s performance stunned fans, showing that the actor is not only a talented dramatic performer but also a skilled vocalist.
His surprising vocal chops were especially impressive given that his character is known for much darker, more intense scenes, according to Comic Book.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Mescal, who had acted in a school production of The Phantom of the Opera, clearly still has a love for theatre, and this sketch gave him the chance to show off his stage presence.
Fans of the actor, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), were quick to react.
One user exclaimed: “Paul the triple threat Mescal!” while another added: “I should’ve known Paul Mescal could sing.”
Others were equally enthusiastic, calling for him to take his talents to the West End or Broadway.
“Paul Mescal singing a Gladiator musical sketch on SNL is everything I needed,” one fan tweeted.
The online frenzy didn’t stop there.
MUSICAL SATIRE
Many joked about Mescal stepping into the world of musicals, with one fan noting.
“Paul Mescal said I am a theatre kid FIRST and FOREMOST!”
A particularly enthusiastic comment read: “Paul Mescal’s Troy Bolton era” – referencing Zac Efron’s iconic role in High School Musical.
As the sketch continued, the absurdity reached its peak. Lucius, after a dramatic musical number, flew off on a broomstick.
This was an apparent nod to Wicked‘s Elphaba, further adding to the musical satire.
PAUL MESCAL AND GLADIATOR
Gladiator II debuted in theatres just before the Thanksgiving weekend, but Wicked overshadowed it at the box office.
However, this SNL skit has certainly reignited interest in the film. Fans are hoping to see more of Mescal’s vocal talent in the future.
Whether on the big screen or the stage, it’s clear that Paul Mescal has proven himself a triple threat.
Who knows? Perhaps South African theatre lovers might one day get to see him on a local stage. He might bring his musical talents to the Southern Hemisphere.
DID YOU KNOW THAT PAUL MESCAL COULD SING AND DANCE?
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