SNL Recap: Paul Mescal Sings in Gladiator II, Depraved Parody

Paul Mescal reinvented Gladiator II in a musical sensation throughout its Saturday evening live debut, and sure, you learn that proper.

“Gladiator II was successful, grossing over $300 million worldwide, however then we noticed the huge success of Moana 2 And Depraved“, declared a presenter in voice-over in the course of the sketch on Saturday, December 7. “So, after a number of hasty restarts, Gladiator II is now… a musical.

The voice continues: “It's the identical violent historic epic that audiences love, however with 50 minutes of further songs.”

Mescal, 28, performs in Gladiator II, a sequel to the 2000 filmalongside Pierre Mescal And Denzel Washington. The movie was launched late final month the same day as a musical Depraved. A sequel to the Disney cartoon Moanawithin the meantime, launched in theaters a number of days later.

Mescal resumed his Gladiator II position on SNL for a pre-recorded quantity. Alongside selection present actors, Mescal sang in opposition to the backdrop of grueling Roman battles.

“There isn’t a place like Rome” Kenan Thompson sung. “Swords and sandals / Whores and scandals / And empires stretching from East to West.”

Mescal agreed, including, “Yeah, I feel I’ll prefer it right here.”

THE Regular individuals the previous additionally acquired his personal solo observe, as his character checked out his reflection in a sword.

“One take a look at me / And all they see / Is a killing machine,” Mescal mentioned. “However they don’t know / To this point beneath / I’m far more than what I see.”

He added: “They name me Gladiator / They name me slave / They name me killer / However sooner or later they’ll know my identify.” / I'll combat my option to freedom / Battle my option to the following act / Now, whereas I'm on the Coliseum / Once I go on the assault. / Someday they’ll know my identify.

Along with Mescal's breathtaking soliloquy, the faux trailer included “a music for the women” (i.e. a ballad sung by Jane Wickline, posing as one of many troopers' wives awaiting his return protected and sound) and a Hamilton-rap model. (Lin Manuel Mirandawho wrote the Tony-winner Hamiltonadditionally wrote the music for Moana however not its sequel.)

“Have a look at his little bits together with his cup win,” Mescal mentioned throughout a mock rap battle with Mikey Daythe fictional emperor of. “Sit down, give a thumbs up.”

Mescal and Day, 44, then challenged one another to a “floss” dancing competitors.

The trailer, in fact, additionally prices cash tribute to Wicked himself with Mescal using a brush and carrying a basic witch's hat. He belted Cynthia Erivo“Defying Gravity” from “Defying Gravity” singing the phrase “No place like Rome” to conclude the sketch.

Saturday's episode additionally featured musical performances from the 2025 Grammy nominee. Shaboozey And a surprise appearance from the social media star Trisha Paytaswho starred herself in a sketch on the Spotify Wrapped 2024 listing.

Elsewhere within the episode, Mescal used his monologue to debate his penchant for filming dramatic and nude scenes. One other spotlight occurred when Mescal and the lads SNL performed pirate-themed artists at a bachelorette social gathering. (And sure, Mescal briefly tore his shirt on the finish.)

Saturday night stay airs on NBC Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET.