Pedro Pascal hilariously blames Dakota Johnson for Gladiator 2 injuries after suffering several on-set mishaps while filming the highly anticipated sequel. During a recent interview, Pascal brought his signature dramatic flair as he recounted how Johnson encouraged him to join the project and, in his words, sent him “to die” in the intense action role. The lighthearted accusation puts a comedic spin on behind-the-scenes challenges faced during production.
Appearing on LadBible’s popular segment, Pedro Pascal shared the story of how Dakota Johnson played a part in landing him the demanding role of Marcus Acacius. Rather than regretfully reflecting on age or fate, Pascal carved out humor from his physical challenges. With Johnson and Chris Evans joining him in the playful exchange, Pascal pinpointed Johnson’s enthusiastic endorsement, setting the stage for both camaraderie and blame. When Johnson asked,
“What’s the movie I told you to do?”
—Dakota Johnson, Actor—Pascal swiftly recalled the hard-hitting reality of shooting Gladiator 2.
He elaborated, blending sarcasm with confession,
“Gladiator 2. And I tore my psoas. My shoulder popped out and I’ve never been the same. Wow. What a good friend. Sent me to die. You said ‘you go die’.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor. His comments turned what could have been a somber retelling of injuries into a showcase for his theatrical personality, setting the tone for their friendship.
For Pascal, Johnson’s influence on his career path is both a source of gratitude and playful distress. After taking her suggestion to join Gladiator 2 at age 49, Pascal encountered the rigors of an action-heavy set firsthand. Still, he managed to inject his usual charm, transforming a painful reality into a tale of enduring Hollywood friendship.
On-Set Training and Unexpected Consequences
Behind the scenes of Ridley Scott’s 2024 Gladiator sequel, Pascal’s preparation was nothing short of intense. Playing the role of Marcus Acacius in a franchise known for its demanding stunts, he invested in building up his fitness level. Despite having no directive from the production team to undergo a physical transformation, Pascal made a personal decision to train hard, hoping to stave off any possible injuries.
In a conversation with ET, Pascal looked back on his efforts.
“I was in no single directive from the movie to get in any kind of shape, but I did. Mainly so that I wouldn’t get hurt, and it didn’t work. I got hurt anyway. [But] I got stronger than I’ve ever been just so that I can play the character, really.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor. His words reflected a turbulent mix of frustration and pride, showing how even the best-laid plans can’t always defeat the unpredictability of a physically taxing role.
The reality for Pascal was grimmer than anticipated: a torn psoas and a shoulder that popped out during production. Despite a regimen intended to bolster his resilience, his body absorbed the weight of the demanding performance. These injuries didn’t just serve as physical reminders of his Gladiator 2 experience—they also became fodder for jovial exchanges among his peers.
Generational Differences on Set: Training With Co-Stars
Pedro Pascal wasn’t the only one pushing physical boundaries on the set of Gladiator 2. His co-star Paul Mescal, considerably younger and energetic, reportedly found the training process enjoyable—a sentiment that didn’t go unnoticed by Pascal. In a moment of sharp wit, Pascal responded to Mescal’s enthusiasm by saying that if he were “20 years younger,” he, too, would have fun with the rigorous routines. The contrast between their experiences underscored the challenges of enduring action roles at different stages of life.
The age gap and its effect on training provided a backdrop for much of the humorous banter between the actors. Pascal’s seasoned perspective brought a grounded, if slightly conflicted, edge to his remarks and made clear the realities of sustaining a physically demanding career in Hollywood past the age of forty. While some took to the gym with gusto, for Pascal, survival became his main achievement. The film’s battle sequences and grueling schedule transformed what might be a career highlight for some into what Pascal jokingly called a survival mission.
From Setbacks to Deeper Self-Awareness
Although the injuries left Pascal physically altered, the ordeal did come with a silver lining. In reflecting on his time as Marcus Acacius under the direction of Ridley Scott and surrounded by a high-energy cast, Pascal acknowledged reaching a new level of personal strength and self-discovery. Pushing himself for the role brought about a fresh understanding of his capabilities—even if it came at the price of a few battle scars.
The Gladiator sequel did more than expand his filmography; it pushed Pascal to redefine what he could handle both mentally and physically. The journey may have been turbulent and, at times, overwhelming, but it also solidified the actor’s reputation not only for his talent and humor but also for his resilience.
The Road Ahead for Pedro Pascal and Gladiator 2
Pedro Pascal’s blend of sarcasm and vulnerability has captivated fans, adding a distinct emotional intensity to reports about Gladiator 2’s production. While injuries marked his journey, they also revealed the lengths to which actors will go for the sake of performance. His playful grievances toward Dakota Johnson and his competitive banter with co-stars like Paul Mescal paint a vivid picture of camaraderie on set amid adversity.
As Gladiator 2 streams on Paramount+ in the US, viewers will now see Pascal’s performance with fresh context, aware of the real-life struggles underpinning his role as Marcus Acacius. The behind-the-scenes drama, seasoned with laughter and genuine hardship, highlights both the cost and the thrill of bringing epic stories to the screen. For Pascal and his Hollywood friends, the line between jest and genuine gratitude runs thin—a testament to enduring friendships formed in the crucible of challenging productions.
