Ridley Scott rep denies claim he said Paul Mescal was ‘not masculine enough’
Paul Mescal in Gladiator II (Image: Paramount Pictures)
Ridley Scott’s representative has denied a rumour that the director blamed Paul Mescal for Gladiator II’s reception by saying the actor was not “masculine enough”.
In an statement shared with Entertainment Weekly, the spokesperson called the claim that that was the reason Mescal, who is a vocal LGBTQ+ ally, was dropped from The Dog Stars “not true”.
The allegation was linked to Puck writer Matthew Belloni, who wrote in a newsletter that “some close to the movie say Scott blamed Mescal for Gladiator II’s underperformance, believing he wasn’t ‘masculine enough’”.
Scott’s representative also pushed back on the idea of any bad blood, saying: “Ridley loves Paul and was excited to work with him on Dog Stars after having [enjoyed] such a great collaboration on Gladiator II.”
Why Mescal left The Dog Stars
The spokesperson said Mescal’s departure from The Dog Stars came down to scheduling. “Sadly, Paul’s rehearsal schedule for another film prevented him from ultimately doing Ridley’s film,” they said. Mescal was replaced by Jacob Elordi.
Scott also previously addressed the schedule clash himself with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, saying: “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
The Dog Stars was released in cinemas in late August, with reports suggesting it was a bit of a box office flop. According to The Numbers, it made $20million at the box office – less than half of its $70million production budget.
As well as Euphoria star Elordi, the movie features Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney and Benedict Wong.
British director Scott is behind films including Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise and Gladiator. He previously denied claims Gladiator II cut Denzel Washington’s gay kiss.
Meanwhile, Mescal got his breakout in 2020 miniseries Normal People, and has seen his star power soar since.
He took on the heartbreaking role of queer character Harry in 2023’s All Of Us Strangers, alongside Andrew Scott. Mescal also played gay character Lionel in period drama The History of Sound alongside Josh O’Connor.
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