Paul Mescal felt under pressure while filming 'Gladiator II'

He told Variety: "I do feel the pressure, and I do feel the desire for this to make money.

"The box office needs a shot in the arm, and if films like 'Gladiator II' aren't doing it, it would be concerning. So I do feel a responsibility."

The original 'Gladiator' movie was a huge hit with fans and critics, earning more than $400 million at the box office back in 2000.

Paul has previously rejected the chance to star in various "big studio, franchise-y" movies. But the actor relished the opportunity to be part of the 'Gladiator' legacy and to work with Sir Ridley Scott, the award-winning director who helmed the original movie.

Paul said: "I wasn't like, 'I need to do this.' It was really just Ridley and 'Gladiator', and I felt like I was ripe for this kind of big film.

"I played sports growing up; I know what it is to throw myself around. I look Roman. All of those things. And it's Ridley Scott!"

Paul has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, after starring in the hit TV mini-series 'Normal People' in 2020. But the actor revealed that he intends to return to making independent films in the future.

Reflecting on his long-term ambitions, Paul said: "The centre of my career is independent films, and everything else comes as a result. But that's where I will return."