Ridley Scott Representative Denies Rumors of Tension With Paul Mescal Over ‘Gladiator II’

Rumors about tension between Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal have spread online after Mescal left the director’s new project, “The Dog Stars.” The claims said Scott was unhappy with the box-office performance of “Gladiator II” and blamed Mescal for it.

The speculation intensified after it was announced that Mescal would not appear in “The Dog Stars” and that Jacob Elordi would take his place. Scheduling conflicts had previously been cited as the reason for Mescal’s departure.

New reports instead claimed that Scott considered Mescal’s performance in “Gladiator II” inadequate and did not see the actor as sufficiently “masculine.” Scott’s representative issued a written statement denying those claims.

“Ridley, Paul and the great collaboration on Gladiator II, Ridley loved working with Paul and was excited to work with him again on The Dog Stars. Unfortunately, Paul’s rehearsal schedule for another film prevented him from joining Ridley’s film. While Ridley was disappointed to lose Paul, he was very happy to have the opportunity to work with Jacob Elordi, who is perfect for the role,” the representative said.

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Ridley, Paul and the great collaboration on Gladiator II, Ridley loved working with Paul and was excited to work with him again on The Dog Stars. Unfortunately, Paul’s rehearsal schedule for another film prevented him from joining Ridley’s film. While Ridley was disappointed to lose Paul, he was very happy to have the opportunity to work with Jacob Elordi, who is perfect for the role.