AceShowbiz - One might think that stepping into the arena for "Gladiator II" would require all the trappings of a traditional gladiator, including a grandiose wig. However, for Paul Mescal, who stars in the much-anticipated sequel, this was one aspect that he could not abide.

In a candid conversation with Ariana Grande for Variety's Actors on Actors series, Mescal shared his initial naive approach and the transformative journey that followed.

"I initially decided when I'd first been cast - which was very naive - I was like, 'I'm just going to go for normal Gladiator,' " Mescal explained. The "Normal People" star quickly realized that stepping into the sandals of a gladiator meant more than just showing up. "The way my body is is the way my body is. And then I was like, 'That's not the film we're making.' So I went into the gym," Mescal said.

This commitment saw him pushed to the limits, resulting in a body transformation that left even him awestruck. "I didn't recognize the way my body was in the clothes that I was wearing, and that created a distance from who you feel like the world expects you to be as a performer. That got me excited."

However, his excitement did not extend to wig fittings, which he described as "dodgy." Mescal shared his dislike, saying, "I'm not a fan of a wig. They were big. And it wasn't to do with - we were working with the best hair/makeup team in the world. It was just, I don't have a head for wigs."

Practicality also played a part in his decision, as he highlighted the technical disruptions a wig might cause during intense action sequences. Mescal did concede that, despite the wig issue, seeing himself in costume was a defining moment, "Seeing myself in the costume, it was one of the moments where I was like, 'I'm doing Gladiator II.' "

In preparation for his role, Mescal worked with trainer Tim Blakeley, who took a scientific approach to his physical transformation. During an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", Mescal shared a memorable moment when Blakeley examined his physique. "So, I'm stood there in my underwear and he's just kind of circling me, and basically just looking at my body scientifically," Mescal recalled. The trainer's verdict? "There's a canvas with which to work here."

"Gladiator II", directed by Ridley Scott and featuring prominent co-stars like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, sees Mescal's character Lucius thrust into the Colosseum after the emperors of Rome conquer his homeland. As the sequel to the iconic 2000 film starring Russell Crowe, Mescal's dedication to his role promises to bring an exciting new chapter to the "Gladiator" saga.