Maynooth native Paul Mescal was the star of the show last night as the world premiere of GLADIATOR II took place in London’s Leicester Square.

The Normal People actor, who plays the role of Lucius in the highly anticipated sequel, walked the red carpet alongside a host of his co-stars, including Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Pedro Pascal, as well as director Ridley Scott.

Mescal was supported at the event by his friend and fellow Irish actor Andrew Scott, known for his roles in FLEABAG and SHERLOCK. The two actors, who recently starred together in the film ALL OF US STRANGERS, shared a warm embrace as they made their way into the screening, highlighting their close on-screen relationship.

Last week, Mescal received a similarly enthusiastic welcome in Dublin, where the Irish premiere of GLADIATOR II was held at the Lighthouse Cinema. The actor spent an hour chatting with fans before the screening, admitting that he never expected the film to be “as big” as it has turned out to be.

Set decades after the events of the original 2000 Oscar-winning film, GLADIATOR II sees Mescal’s character Lucius, the grandson of the former Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, forced into slavery and fighting as a gladiator after his town is invaded by Roman soldiers.

Mescal’s performance as the lead in this highly anticipated sequel is sure to cement his status as one of the most exciting young actors working today. GLADIATOR II opens in cinemas worldwide November 15th.