Latest news with #GladiatorII
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How Pedro Pascal got in Mister Fantastic shape for Marvel debut
Hollywood fitness guru Jason Walsh chronicles how the Emmy nominated actor conquered debilitating pain after a stunt injury for the new 'Fantastic Four' movie. A post shared by JASON WALSH (@risemovement) Pedro Pascal swears he would not be walking, much less prepping to play a superhero, if it weren't for this guy. The four-time Emmy nominee is just one of many A-list clients who have achieved action star physiques through physical trainer Jason Walsh's holistic approach to health and fitness. In the case of Pascal, however, the mutual admiration between trainer and client extends far beyond the four walls of Walsh's West Hollywood gym. The two first crossed paths back in 2014 in Qingdao, China, on the set of the action blockbuster "The Great Wall." At the time, Walsh was training the film's star Matt Damon, who played a mercenary warrior alongside Pascal. "We instantly had a good chemistry," Walsh told USA TODAY. "You're going to all these really cool places, the Great Wall, experiencing all this stuff and you got somebody that's a good friend. And I started training him then." A decade after they first met in China, Walsh would help Pascal transform his body to play the brilliant and elastic Mister Fantastic in the upcoming "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," out in theaters nationwide Thursday, July 24. The superhero genre is familiar territory for Walsh, who previously trained Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises" and Brie Larson to take on the role of the titular intergalactic heroine in 2019's "Captain Marvel." A stunt injury, however, would make Pascal's latest fitness journey the actor's most daunting yet. 'Gladiator II' stunt left Pascal with long-lasting back pain Fans of Pascal may remember the moment photos from Vanity Fair's cover shoot dropped on June 24, showing his physique in its full glory. Unbeknownst to drooling fans at the time, Pascal endured months of turmoil and uncertainty to achieve the muscled-up look. During a stunt for last year's "Gladiator II," he dislocated his shoulder, tore his psoas (lower back) muscle and weakened his hip flexor after tackling co-star Paul Mescal on set. Walsh said Pascal experienced long-lasting back pain that took a psychological toll as a result. Pain and injury can feel extra defeating when someone enters their late 40s or early 50s, Walsh said, adding that "you start to program your mind and start believing that this is the new you. This is the way it's going to be." "He came to me and just said, 'I'm a wreck,'" Walsh recalled. "'I can't step up, I can't lunge, I can't squat, I can't do these things because my back hurts.'" With a looming deadline and hectic schedule ahead of filming for "Fantastic Four" in England, "The Materialists" in New York and Season 2 of "The Last of Us" in Canada, Pascal asked the trainer one question. "'Can it be done?' And I was like, 'absolutely,'" Walsh said. The mission was less about achieving a shredded superhero figure for Pascal and more about reclaiming functionality over his body and conquering his pain, Walsh said. Pascal placed his full faith in the Hollywood strength guru, who had experience with post-injury training. He previously prepared Matt Damon for 2016's "Jason Bourne" after a bike accident broke his collarbone. Walsh explained to Pascal that the process would be slow and tedious, but that the two would eventually change his body. "I just took it on as a project, and I took it seriously because I saw my friend who was in pain and psychologically down," he said. Now, the 50-year-old heartthrob not only looks chiseled but feels well enough to become the next Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Walsh says his secret isn't a 'magic formula' While Walsh had no desire to be a personal trainer growing up — even to clientele like Jake Gyllenhaal, John Krasinski and Bradley Cooper — he saw a void he could fill in the fitness space. He takes a multifaceted approach to training that involves adding calculated amounts of stress to the right parts of the body. With Pascal, Walsh curated a routine that would allow his body to hold onto muscle at his age. The workouts prioritized isometric exercises that built a connection between mind and body while also advancing his tendon strength. "Mostly it's a progressive model. So it's pretty simple. It's just very basic. It's not a magic formula. I don't need to tell you that there's cool exercises that we do that nobody else does. I don't do that [expletive]," Walsh said. Instead, he reinforces solid patterns and proper recovery time, complemented by plenty of sacrifice. He also worked with a chef who prepared a diet focused around caloric intake and macronutrients that would become habitual for Pascal. This nutrition philosophy later prompted Walsh to launch his own protein powder, a plant-based supplement called Rise311, geared toward those who have trouble digesting whey. Walsh posted an Instagram reel in June 2024 of Pascal trying a Rise311 shake for the first time, which the Chilean-born actor called "delicious." A post shared by JASON WALSH (@risemovement) Pascal lost 25 pounds ahead of Marvel shoot Walsh said his first big win with Pascal was when the actor noticed a gap between his belly and a pair of pants on the set of "The Last of Us." "We took 25 pounds off of him by changing up his diet," Walsh said. Beyond the weight loss, Pascal told Walsh he felt his pain and limitations dissipate as his body grew stronger. Before they both knew it, Pascal was ready to put on his blue suit. "You build this little bit of trust with people by fixing something and then reminding them that they couldn't do something [before]," Walsh added. Ultimately, Walsh finds victories like Pascal the most rewarding. "It was just a slow, tedious climb, but he was down for it and now he's asking me for workouts and things because he wants to keep going with it," Walsh said. "He understands the benefit of that kind of sacrifice and dedication and hard work. It pays off."
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Paul Mescal's entertainment firm records profits of €1m on back of Gladiator role
New accounts filed by the actor's Castle Dawson Pictures Ltd show that the company's post tax profits of €1.023m in the 11 months to the end of September last followed profits of €309,051 in the prior year - an increase of 231pc. The €1.02m post tax profit for last year translates to weekly profits of €21,326 for the 48 week period from the end of October 2023 to the end of September last The bumper year for the firm allowed the company to pay dividends of €333,333 to its sole owner, Paul Mescal, who was one of the 82,300 hurling fans at Croke Park on Sunday to watch Tipperary storm to their 29th All-Ireland hurling title when beating Cork. No pay was made to directors last year after directors' pay for 2023 totalled €641,185. At the end of last September, the company was sitting on accumulated profits of €1.16m. In the buoyant year for the firm, the company's cash funds almost doubled from €646,596 to €1.24m. Gladiator was released worldwide in November of last year and Mescal's role as Lucius Verus helped Gladiator to a worldwide box-office of $462.2m. When commenting on casting Mescal for the role of Lucius, Ridley Scott said: 'He was a special find. He was absolutely perfect.' In Ireland Gladiator recorded the 5th highest box office of the year at €3.67m. Mescal - who signed off on the accounts on June 30h - became a star on both sides of the Atlantic with his award-winning portrayal of Connell Waldron in the lockdown hit drama, Normal People in April and May of 2020. ADVERTISEMENT Mescal has a 100pc shareholding in the company and the accounts show that at the end of September last, its current assets - made up of cash and moneys owed by debtors - totalled €1.16m. The lucrative year enjoyed by Mescal's Castle Dawson culminated in his movie firm agreeing to provide him with a €1.05m loan facility in November of last year. Documents show that Mescal signed off on the loan facility with his firm on November 18th only three days after the release of Gladiator II here on November 15th. Seeking to capitalise on his status, the former Kildare minor football captain incorporated Castle Dawson Pictures Ltd on November 23rd 2020. The company due to its small size is not required to disclose the revenues it recorded during the year. Mescal's career has been on a skywards trajectory since his debut screen performance in Normal People. Mescal learnt his acting trade at Trinity College Dublin's The Lir Academy and this year a record 600 people have applied this year for its 16 place acting programme that helped launch Mescal's career. Normal People reportedly gave BBC Three its best ever week on the iPlayer while it also set new viewing records on the RTE Player.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
BBC rolls out star-studded line-up for All-Ireland Hurling final
It is the biggest day of the year for hurling fans as Croke Park is packed to the brim with 82,300 as Cork and Tipperary battle it out for the Liam MacCarthy Cup. As has become tradition, today's final is being shown live on the BBC and the British broadcaster have gone all out and have enlisted the help of some massive stars to help with today's television broadcast. Actor Paul Mescal and horse racing icon Rachael Blackmore both appeared ahead of the final to speak with BBC presenters from the comforts of the Davin Stand. Mescal is no stranger to Croke Park having played there as an underage star for Kildare as a youngster, and the Gladiator II star spoke about how important All-Ireland final day is to GAA fans in Ireland and around the world. "All-Ireland final day is one of the most special days in the calendar and to be here with dad, we're so lucky to be getting free tickets to an All-Ireland final," he stated. The actor added: "I'm so glad it's being shown across the UK because it is a huge cultural moment every year. It's a massive event for Irish people across the world. It's not just the people living in Ireland, it's for the diaspora and everybody else." Joining Mescal and Blackmore in the stand was singer Tom Grennan, who was appearing at his first ever All-Ireland final: "This is amazing. This has been a dream of mine to come to an All-Ireland. "I've got my dad with me. He has worn the Offaly shirt, but to be here and just to see everybody mixing... like if you saw this at a North London derby that wouldn't be the case. You'd have one half and one half where everybody's mixes, a sea of different colours. It's a beautiful thing." While Mescal and Grennan have no dog in the fight this afternoon, proud Tipperary native Blackmore will be cheering on the Premier County and was even wearing a Tipp jersey as she showed her support for the men in blue and gold. As it stands, Cork lead Tipp by six points on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-13 after a brilliant goal from Shane Barrett on the stroke of half time.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Keeping up with Pedro Pascal, Brad Pitt and Hollywood's Peter Pans
'Smart layering adds depth and flatters your shape. Lightweight jackets, over-shirts, and knits give structure without bulk. Pedro Pascal layers effortlessly - never overdone, always on point.' Pascal and Pitt keep their appearance fresh by embracing trends and changing their stylists. With the encouragement of stylist Julie Ragiola, Pascal bared his legs on the Met Gala red carpet and wore a plunging Bottega Veneta blouse to the Gladiator II premiere. For The Fantastic Four press tour, Pascal has partnered with stylist Jamie Mizrahi, who also works with Jeremy Allen White and Adele, looking sleek and chic in Calvin Klein bomber jackets, Tom Ford suits and scarf shirts. Brad Pitt recently refreshed his look for the F1 press tour, enlisting 29-year-old Dune actor Timothee Chalamet's stylist Taylor McNeil to dress him in tie-dye tracksuits and silky shirts. If tie-dye is too much, Webb suggests focusing on denim and footwear, which can be more revealing about your Seniors Card status than the date on your driver's license. Loading 'Ditch dated denim,' Webb says. 'Opt for slim or straight-leg jeans in dark or mid-washes. Pedro Pascal pairs his with simple jackets and sneakers – easy, clean, and age-appropriate.' 'Shoes can age you fast. For a sharper finish, swap clunky trainers or square-toed dress shoes for leather sneakers, boots or clean desert boots.' Skin care Pitt, Idris Elba, 52, and musician Pharrell Williams, 52, all have gender-neutral skincare lines, which is as much about business as looking good. According to financial information outfit Research and Markets the global market for men's skincare products was valued at $US16.9 billion ($25.9 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach $US23 billion ($35.3 billion) by 2030. 'I wanted science-backed skincare that makes sense — not just for your skin, but for what you stand for,' Pitt told WWD about his La Domaine range. While there's increased interest in men's skincare and cosmetics, more men are turning to solutions that go beyond moisturiser and serums. An increasing number of laser treatments are being targeted at men in midlife, with the CoolPeel growing in popularity in Australia, using high-energy pulses to assist in improving skin texture, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and claiming to assist with collagen production. 'It's most popular among men aged 35 to 55, though it's gaining traction across both younger and older age brackets,' says Michael Raghib, sales manager for High Tech Medical. With men traditionally seeking fast solutions to skin challenges, the laser treatment's main attraction for mature men is reduced downtime. 'There's an expectation of being presentable within two to three days, allowing a return to work and normal routine without suspicion. Minimal peeling, redness or swelling suits men who don't want to explain having had work done.' Hair While action hero Jason Statham, 57, Stanley Tucci, 64, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 53, prove you don't need a hairline to be Hollywood handsome, many men still associate ageing attractively with having something to brush in the morning. Loading Matthew McConaughey, 55, attributes his hair retention to topical treatments, while wrestler turned actor John Cena, 48, Community comedian Joel McHale, 53, and Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson, 50, have admitted to hair transplants. 'Over the past three years, interest in transplants has grown steadily,' says Dr Ateka Khan, co-founder of Hair Doctors clinics in Melbourne and Sydney. 'We've gone from performing five procedures a week to averaging 17. Our current wait time is up to 10 weeks.' 'Globally, procedures have grown from 2.6 million in 2019 to over 4.3 million in 2024, showing how mainstream hair restoration has become.' 'We've had the occasional reference to Brad Pitt, model David Gandy, David Beckham or Chris Hemsworth, more as inspiration for a natural, age-appropriate result rather than something to replicate exactly.'
The Age
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Keeping up with Pedro Pascal, Brad Pitt and Hollywood's Peter Pans
'Smart layering adds depth and flatters your shape. Lightweight jackets, over-shirts, and knits give structure without bulk. Pedro Pascal layers effortlessly - never overdone, always on point.' Pascal and Pitt keep their appearance fresh by embracing trends and changing their stylists. With the encouragement of stylist Julie Ragiola, Pascal bared his legs on the Met Gala red carpet and wore a plunging Bottega Veneta blouse to the Gladiator II premiere. For The Fantastic Four press tour, Pascal has partnered with stylist Jamie Mizrahi, who also works with Jeremy Allen White and Adele, looking sleek and chic in Calvin Klein bomber jackets, Tom Ford suits and scarf shirts. Brad Pitt recently refreshed his look for the F1 press tour, enlisting 29-year-old Dune actor Timothee Chalamet's stylist Taylor McNeil to dress him in tie-dye tracksuits and silky shirts. If tie-dye is too much, Webb suggests focusing on denim and footwear, which can be more revealing about your Seniors Card status than the date on your driver's license. Loading 'Ditch dated denim,' Webb says. 'Opt for slim or straight-leg jeans in dark or mid-washes. Pedro Pascal pairs his with simple jackets and sneakers – easy, clean, and age-appropriate.' 'Shoes can age you fast. For a sharper finish, swap clunky trainers or square-toed dress shoes for leather sneakers, boots or clean desert boots.' Skin care Pitt, Idris Elba, 52, and musician Pharrell Williams, 52, all have gender-neutral skincare lines, which is as much about business as looking good. According to financial information outfit Research and Markets the global market for men's skincare products was valued at $US16.9 billion ($25.9 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach $US23 billion ($35.3 billion) by 2030. 'I wanted science-backed skincare that makes sense — not just for your skin, but for what you stand for,' Pitt told WWD about his La Domaine range. While there's increased interest in men's skincare and cosmetics, more men are turning to solutions that go beyond moisturiser and serums. An increasing number of laser treatments are being targeted at men in midlife, with the CoolPeel growing in popularity in Australia, using high-energy pulses to assist in improving skin texture, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and claiming to assist with collagen production. 'It's most popular among men aged 35 to 55, though it's gaining traction across both younger and older age brackets,' says Michael Raghib, sales manager for High Tech Medical. With men traditionally seeking fast solutions to skin challenges, the laser treatment's main attraction for mature men is reduced downtime. 'There's an expectation of being presentable within two to three days, allowing a return to work and normal routine without suspicion. Minimal peeling, redness or swelling suits men who don't want to explain having had work done.' Hair While action hero Jason Statham, 57, Stanley Tucci, 64, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 53, prove you don't need a hairline to be Hollywood handsome, many men still associate ageing attractively with having something to brush in the morning. Loading Matthew McConaughey, 55, attributes his hair retention to topical treatments, while wrestler turned actor John Cena, 48, Community comedian Joel McHale, 53, and Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson, 50, have admitted to hair transplants. 'Over the past three years, interest in transplants has grown steadily,' says Dr Ateka Khan, co-founder of Hair Doctors clinics in Melbourne and Sydney. 'We've gone from performing five procedures a week to averaging 17. Our current wait time is up to 10 weeks.' 'Globally, procedures have grown from 2.6 million in 2019 to over 4.3 million in 2024, showing how mainstream hair restoration has become.' 'We've had the occasional reference to Brad Pitt, model David Gandy, David Beckham or Chris Hemsworth, more as inspiration for a natural, age-appropriate result rather than something to replicate exactly.'
