Are you not entertained? Still? Again? Some more? : Pop Culture Happy Hour : NPR

Are you not entertained? Still? Again? Some more? : Pop Culture Happy Hour : NPR

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II.

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures


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Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II.

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

The new film Gladiator II is a sequel to GladiatorOscar-winning swords-and-sandals blockbuster that starred Russell Crowe. It tells a similar tale — a soldier, sold into slavery, becomes a gladiator in the Roman arena. This time out, it’s Paul Mescal whose prowess in the coliseum earns him fame that threatens Rome’s tyrannical rulers. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film also stars Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.

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