Paul Mescal pictured with his mother Dearbhla ,father Paul and sister Nell at the Irish Premiere of Gladiator II in the Light House Cinema, Smithfield. Gladiator II is in cinemas on 15th November.(Image: Brian mcEvoy)

Homecoming cheers leave Paul Mescal 'speechless' at Gladiator II premiere in Dublin

by · Irish Mirror

Paul Mescal declared he’s “fundamentally proud to be Irish” at the premiere of Gladiator II tonight in Dublin. The 28-year-old, who shot to stardom following his role in Normal People, revealed he’s been blown away by the homecoming from fans after touching down in Ireland.

Mescal, who lives in London, stepped out on the red carpet in a white grandad collar shirt and grey jacket for the premiere which took place at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. When Mescal arrived, he was greeted with cheers of ole ole ole from eager fans who waited from 10am this morning to catch a glimpse of the star.

Speaking tonight, the Oscar-nominated actor said he was "always blown away by Irish fans who come and stand and wait to meet us."

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During an interview with RTE, he continued: "Myself and the other Irish in London talk about it all the time - the welcome we get." He added: “I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

“I am fully speechless. Today has been a special day. These tours are long, amazing things – this has totally knocked me for six, today especially. I won’t ever forget this.”

Paul Mescal signs autographs for fans at the "Gladiator II" Irish Premiere at Light House Cinema on November 07, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland.(Image: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Speaking about being home, he said: "I'm so happy to be home; it’s so special. Dublin is my home - this is where I trained and studied acting, so to be back like this is just amazing. There’s something in the water here - the quality of creative talent is just brilliant."

When asked about if the"London Irish" - which includes Andrew Scott, Cillian Murphy, Saoirse Ronan, and Jessie Buckley - could come together for a Marvel movie, Mescal shot back and said: “"Yes, but no tights!"

07/11/24 - Paul Mescal pictured at the Irish premiere of Gladiator II at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield.(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)

The Irish actor, who was joined on the red carpet by his mum Dearbhla, dad Paul and sister Nell, also said he learnt so much from working with co-star Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott.

He explained: “This is all about promoting a film that I am unbelievably proud of and I think the thing I’m most proud of is I have gotten to work with a great like Ridley. As a fan of his work, one thing I am adamant to say is I think this is one of his best films, not only recently but full stop.”

He added: “He was so generous with me.”

Gladiator II is in cinemas on November 15.

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