Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Paul Mescal Wows 'SNL' Fans With His Singing Chops In Musical 'Gladiator II' Parody

Paul Mescal in 'Gladiator II' Parody
Saturday Night Live/YouTube

The actor has fans seriously impressed with his singing ability after starring in a Wicked-inspired musical parody of his hit film Gladiator II.

We've all heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and we've certainly all heard advice about doing what's working for others, in the hopes of it working for us, too.

With the whirlwind of popularity surrounding Wicked and Moana 2 right now, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see more musical adaptations surge onto the scene in the hopes of riding their coattails of success.


But only the folks at Saturday Night Live would think up a musical rendition of... Gladiator II.

During Paul Mescal's debut appearance and hosting role at SNL, he played the lead role as "the killing machine" in the musical adaptation of the film, the riff said to have "an extra 50 minutes of songs" to improve the experience.

The sketch opens with a new song called, "No Place Like Rome," with sets the scene for the film, and leaves Mescal saying:

"I think I'm gonna like it here."

It then moves into the actual preview of the film, featuring 50 new minutes worth of music, including Mescal singing about how he's "so much more than a killing machine."

You can see a portion here:

 


The sketch wraps up with Mescal singing about how far he'll go before he gets on a broom and sings a riff similar to the final notes in Cynthia Erivo's "Defying Gravity," as he flies off wearing a witch's hat.

You can catch that moment here:

 


That some viewers were impressed by the performance would be an understatement.

 


 


 


 


 


 


Others entertained the idea of this musical—or something like it—actually happening.

 


 


 


 


 


You can watch the full sketch here:

- YouTubeyoutu.be


Whether or not Gladiator II will be a hit or a solid follow-up to the beloved Gladiator is yet to be seen, but SNL might have just accidentally proven just how much some people love musicals—and how music can take a film like to a completely different place.

More from Entertainment/tv-and-movies

Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Lauren Boebert speaking to Alex Stein
Prime Time with Alex Stein/Blaze Media

Lauren Boebert Casts Doubt On Moon Landing During Wild Interview With Conspiracy Theorist

Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert was criticized after she seemingly agreed with the conspiracy theory that the moon landing was faked in a wide-ranging interview with conservative conspiracy theorist Alex Stein.

The segment began with the duo casting doubt on nuclear weapons—Boebert even joked about needing "tin foil"—and moved into weirder territory when Stein praised Boebert for "vibing" with him on the topic of the moon landing. Conspiracy theorists have long alleged the moon landing was fabricated by NASA in what they claim was an elaborate hoax.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rosie O'Donnell; Oprah Winfrey
Simon Ackerman/Getty Images; Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah For Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding In Scathing Poem

Among the various celebrity hangers-on who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Venice wedding, the one that seemed to generate the most controversy was Oprah Winfrey.

After all, a woman known for her progressive politics whose entire ethos is about teaching people how to be their best selves, attending the wedding of man who directly funded a fascist regime dismantling our country before our eyes doesn't exactly add up.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lisa Murkowski
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Lisa Murkowski Slammed After Criticizing Massive Budget Bill She Just Voted For

Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski was slammed after she claimed that President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill is "not there yet" despite casting the deciding vote to narrowly pass it before sending it back to the House.

In a marathon voting session, the Senate narrowly passed the legislation in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition.

Keep ReadingShow less
Woman listening to her boyfriend play guitar
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Things People Initially Found Attractive About Their Partner That Now Annoy Them

Being in a relationship can be wonderful, but it's not without its ups and downs.

In order for it to work, we have to allow it to grow and change over time rather than being locked forever into what it was when we first started dating our person.

Keep ReadingShow less