Gladiator II star Paul Mescal has received a glowing tribute from his former school who have congratulated him on his leading role in the new Hollywood film which hit cinemas at the weekend.
The Irish star, 28, who plays Lucius in Ridley Scott’s sequel of the 2000 film, was praised by Maynooth Post Primary School where he previously attended as a former student.
The Irish secondary school took to Facebook to congratulate Paul as they wrote: “From student to gladiator, wishing the best of luck to past pupil Paul Mescal as Gladiator II comes to cinemas nationwide and worldwide this week.
“It’s our greatest pleasure, here at MPP, to continue to watch Paul’s career soar. We’re all be tuning in to see Paul’s appearance on the Late Late Show as he chats with @patrickielty this fine Friday night.”
To fans’ delight, the school also shared a trio of snaps – two of which show Paul as a young student and it’s safe to say the Normal People star has always had his handsome looks – while the third is a snapshot of Paul in the Gladiator II film.
The sequel film starring huge names such as Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, hit cinema screens in the UK on November 15.
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Paul made an appearance on the Late Late show with Patrick Kielty the following day on Saturday November 16 in a pre-recorded interview where he discussed the release of his latest film.
Another point of conversation was his ‘roman-esque genetics’ with many fans pointing out that the actor has the perfect ‘roman’ nose for the Gladiator film.
Addressing this topic on the show, Paul revealed that his nose actually caused him “such hassle in secondary school” and at one point “was the bane” of his life”.
He added: “Well, thank God for whatever genetics have granted me this this nose.”
Speaking more on the film, he said: “I’m incredibly proud of the film and now that we’re starting to see an audience response It’s just a big big old sigh of relief” with host Patrick reassuring him it was “the best performance of an Irish man in a skirt since Mrs. Brown’s boys”.
And it seems he also did his hometown of Maynooth proud as many flocked to the comments on his former school’s Facebook post.
One wrote: “Watched the film today and he was great in it. Definitely stole the show.” A second added: “Well done Paul Mescal, you are a great actor. Best of luck.”
A third chimed in: “He’s at superstar level now, the film is amazing” while a fourth chimed in: “The boy done good.”
Elsewhere, someone else commented: “Such a gentleman met him last week in London. Couldn’t have been nicer. Love to see us Irish on the international stage” while another praised: “Paul you are a great Ambassador for Ireland.”
Gladiator II is currently being screened at cinemas across the UK and Ireland now.
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