Key Takeaways:
– Pedro Pascal takes on the role of Roman General Marcus Acacius in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II.
– Fans expressed disappointment over the actor not wearing a helmet in a battle scene, reminiscent of his role in Game of Thrones.
– Co-star Joseph Quinn dons a dramatic new look that differs from his Stranger Things appearance.
Pedro Pascal Reprises Intense Role For Gladiator II
Known for his roles in Game of Thrones and the Mandalorian, actor Pedro Pascal has returned to the mainstream cinema as the antagonist in Ridley Scott’s upcoming sequel, Gladiator II. His character, Marcus Acacius, a military general trained under Maximus, is set to clash against Paul Mescal’s Lucius. However, some fans seem to have reservations.
Fans Unhappy with Remarkable Similarities to Pascal’s GOT Character
A significant portion of Pascal’s fan base wasn’t thrilled after the film’s trailer release. Fans noticed one detail that sparked a flurry of comments on social media platforms: why was the actor not wearing a helmet during a face-off in the arena? It was a potential callback to his character Oberyn Martell’s iconic battle in the Game of Thrones series. The gruesome outcome of the fight, involving a helmet-less Oberyn, is a memory many fans have not forgotten.
Resurfacing Memories of Game of Thrones
Pedro Pascal rose to fame as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones. In a monumental showdown against character Gregor Clegane, alias the Mountain, Pascal’s Oberyn elected to fight without a helmet. Despite starting the duel with the upper hand, Oberyn ended up slain in a grueling manner after being caught off guard. Fans expressed angst online, drawing parallels between Oberyn’s fatal fight and Pascal’s upcoming role, questioning if the actor hadn’t learned from his Game of Thrones experience.
Expectations High Despite Fan Reactions
Despite the backlash, anticipation for Gladiator II remains high. Many are curious to see if Pascal can eclipse Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the antagonist in the original Gladiator. Cast in 2023, at the peak of his career, Pascal continues to maintain a strong cinema portfolio with roles in projects such as The Fantastic Four.
Joseph Quinn Joins Pascal in Gladiator II
Pascal’s Gladiator II co-star, Joseph Quinn, known for his work on Stranger Things, was also cast as Johnny Storm in Marvel’s upcoming The Fantastic Four. He portrays Emperor Geta in Gladiator II. With a dramatically different appearance than his Stranger Things character, fans are eager to see this new interpretation. His short blonde hairstyle even drew comparisons to the Game of Thrones character Cersei Lannister.
Gladiator II is due for release in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2024.
Despite the mixed fan responses, there’s immense anticipation for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel and the performances of Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn. As the film release date approaches, the question remains: will Pedro Pascal finally learn from his past and wear a helmet? Only time will tell.
