In anticipation of Ridley Scott's highly-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II, actors Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal are giving fans a glimpse into their intense physical transformations for their respective roles.

Pascal, known for his captivating performances in shows like The Mandalorian, recently shared his thoughts on Mescal's impressive change in an interview with Vanity Fair. "It's brutal, man. I call him Brick Wall Paul," Pascal revealed. "He got so strong. I would rather be thrown from a building than have to fight him again. To go up against somebody that fit and that talented and that much younger..."

It appears that Mescal's dedication to his role left quite an impression on Pascal, who commended the Normal People star. "Outside of Ridley being a total genius, Paul is a big reason as to why I would put my poor body through that experience," Pascal confessed.

Mescal, who portrays the character Lucius - taking over the role Spencer Treat Clark portrayed in the original 2000 film - underwent intense training for the fighting scenes. The actor explained that he wanted to portray a muscular and powerful character, without veering into the territory of looking like "an underwear model."

Sharing his thoughts on the transformation, Mescal revealed, "Muscles start to grow, and that can be deemed aesthetic in certain capacities, but there is something about feeling strong in your body that elicits just a different feeling. You carry yourself differently." He further emphasized the impact it had on his portrayal of Lucius, stating, "It has an impact on you psychologically in a way that is useful for the film."

Gladiator II is set years after the events of the original film and follows Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). With Mescal's physical transformation and his ability to channel that strength into his character, fans can look forward to a captivating performance in this highly-anticipated sequel.

As the release of Gladiator II approaches, viewers can't help but be excited by the dedication and commitment showcased by Pascal and Mescal in their preparation for their respective roles. With their physical transformations and the genius of director Ridley Scott, the stage is set for an unforgettable cinematic experience.