Paul Mescal Turns ‘Gladiator II’ Into a Musical Masterpiece on SNL, Flies Higher Than Your Favorite Witch

Buy Me A Coffee

Paul Mescal just gave Gladiator II a plot twist so wild, Ridley Scott might be clutching his director’s chair. The brooding 28-year-old actor, known for his Oscar-worthy glares and ability to look deeply conflicted while shirtless, hosted Saturday Night Live on December 7 and served up a version of the epic blockbuster that no one saw coming: Gladiator: The Musical.

Yes, you read that right. Musical. Think less “Are you not entertained?” and more “Are you ready for jazz hands?”

When in Romeโ€ฆ Sing!
In a skit that might make theater kids everywhere weep with joy, Paul and the SNL gang decided to poke fun at Gladiator IIโ€™s respectable box office numbers. Respectable, yesโ€”but not quite โ€œBroadway witches belting their faces offโ€ levels of success. The bit hilariously compared Gladiator II to the Wicked movie adaptation and Moana 2, implying that Romans just couldnโ€™t keep up with singing witches and Polynesian princesses.

See also  Gary Oldman Reveals What Role He'd Want To Play In New 'Harry Potter' TV Series

Inspired by the musical juggernauts, the skit introduced songs for Gladiator: The Musical, including the soon-to-be-classic “Thereโ€™s No Place Like Rome.” (Someone call Lin-Manuel Mirandaโ€”this titleโ€™s a goldmine!)

Broomsticks in the Coliseum
The piรจce de rรฉsistance? Paul Mescal, in full Roman warrior mode, channeling his inner Elphaba (or is it Elphamescal now?) as he dramatically soared on a broomstick and belted out Defying Gravity. Yes, the Defying Gravity. Cynthia Erivo, who sings the number in the Wicked movie, might want to watch her backโ€”Paulโ€™s broomstick theatrics were a sight to behold. Who needs swords when youโ€™ve got a high note?

See also  SNL Roasts Morgan Wallenโ€™s Magical Disappearing Act Like It's a Vegas Show

The โ€˜Glickedโ€™ Phenomenon
This parody didnโ€™t come out of nowhere. Both Gladiator II and Wicked dropped into theaters on the same day, sending fans into a frenzy and coining the term “Glicked” to describe the bizarre cinematic showdown. (Glicked: when ancient Rome clashes with Emerald City, and audiences are somehow the real winners.)

So, whatโ€™s next for Paul? Maybe Gladiator II on Broadway? We can already picture the marquee: โ€œSwords, Sandals, and Show Tunes.โ€ Critics are calling it โ€œthe Cats of ancient Rome, but better.โ€

See also  Elon Musk Reacts to Chloe Fineman Saying He Made Her Cry During His 'Saturday Night Live' Hosting Gig

All hail Mescal: our singing, flying, gladiator king!

Comments area

Sidebar

Must Read

Rachel Zegler Takes a Break from Tragedy to Party Like It’s 1999

Rachel Zegler is booked, busy, and bopping between centuries....

Irina Shayk Wraps Up Like a Chic Burrito for NYC Coffee Run

Itโ€™s winter in New York City, which means one...

Dua Lipa Opens Up About Friendship With John Cena

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Dua Lipa...

Rachel Bilson Celebrates ‘The OC’s 21st Anniversary

Rachel Bilson threw a birthday bash for her beloved...

Post Malone Fronts New UGG Campaign – Watch Here

Post Malone is now the official poster child for...

Madonna Faces Another Lawsuit From A Fan Citing “Flippant Disrespect”

The Material Girl herself, Madonna, is facing some seriously...

You Might Also Like

Madonna Takes On Italy Arm-In-Arm With New Boyfriend Akeem Morris

Madonna might just have a new squeeze, and we've...

Simon Cowell Shares Tribute To Liam Payne After His Death

In heartbreaking news, Simon Cowell took to social media...

The Cleaning Lady Season 4 Premiere: Somebody Call 911โ€”A Character Just Got Roasted (Literally)

๐ŸšจWARNING: If you donโ€™t like spoilers or unexpected barbecue...