Paul Mescal, the star of the newly released "Gladiator II," busts out the big guns - er, swords - in his first "SNL" promo before he takes on hosting duties this Saturday, December 7.
Mescal features with "SNL" cast members Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, and Mikey Day in the new promo, released today, December 4, that starts off innocently enough.
In Mescal's new "SNL" promo, Gardner and Walker commend Mescal for being early to the table read.
"Oh, because you're one of those method guys," Gardner says, which Mescal quickly denies.
"Absolutely not, that's not my style," the ever so laid-back Mescal asserts.
His tune quickly changes, however, when Walker tells Gardner she may have accidentally picked up his script.
"And so it shall be, a fight to the death," Mescal - clearly reverting to his "Gladiator II" days - says starkly.
"For glory!" Mescal shouts, untethering two swords, "and for truth!"
Then, "SNL" star Mikey Day breaks the news to Mescal that the role of Don Jr is his and Mescal can't play it.
"Oh, absolutely no problem," Mescal says to Day. "It's all yours!"
As the "SNL" stars comment on how professional and nice Mescal is, the Kildare actor takes aim - literally - at Day with a bow and arrow, striking him in the chest.
"A man must fight for what is rightfully his!" Mescal, armed with a bow and arrow, proclaims from the upper area of Studio 8H.
"I will have vengeance or I will have death!"
With a slightly maniacal giggle, Mescal concludes the spot by telling the "SNL" stars: "It's gonna be real fun this week, guys. See you at the read-through!"
You can check out Paul Mescal in his new "SNL" promo here:
"Saturday Night Live," which is in the midst of its 50th season, announced on November 17 that Mescal will be hosting on December 7, making him the seventh Irish actor to take the helm at Studio 8H.
The Co Kildare native follows other Irish hosts Gabriel Byrne (1995), Pierce Brosnan (2001), Liam Neeson (2004), Colin Farrell (2004), Saoirse Ronan (2017), and Brendan Gleeson (2022).
Mescal will be hosting "SNL" while country star Shaboozey is the featured musical guest.
up next, Paul Mescal and @ShaboozeysJeans!!! pic.twitter.com/gKR92uzC97
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) November 17, 2024
"SNL" is a perhaps unexpected move for the Oscar-nominated Irish actor who is more noted for his dramatic roles - he shot to fame with his portrayal of Connell Waldron in the television adaptation of Irish author Sally Rooney's "Normal People," which he followed with roles in the films "God's Creatures," "The Lost Daughter," "Aftersun," "Foe," "All of Us Strangers," and most recently, "Gladiator II."
However, Mescal's small-screen debut - a 2018 commercial for Denny's Irish sausages - was certainly more lighthearted:
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