Denzel Washington explains why he was impressed with Paul Mescal’s performance in Gladiator II. Mescal plays Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) in the long-awaited sequel. Gladiator II‘s cast also features many new characters, including Macrinus (Washington), a former slave and current power broker who seeks to control Rome, and to use Lucius’ vengeful rage to his advantage.