Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The sequel to the classic 2000 film focuses on the life of the adult Lucius, played by actor Paul Mescal.

The early reactions to the film are in and Mescal has received rave reviews for his performance and action sequences. To achieve his toned body, the actor had gone to great lengths to transform himself into his character.

He had to follow a strict regime to achieve the role of a Roman warrior. Still, there were some things the actor didn’t want to give up.

Speaking on Britain’s Graham Norton Show, Mescal said, “I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things,” according to US Weekly.

“I worked with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said, ‘There’s a canvas for me to work with,'” Mescal continued. “He went into town and I saw him every day. It was fun.”

Mescal added that he did everything except the two things he couldn’t give up, which were smoking and drinking.

“I did everything he asked, but I like to drink and smoke,” the actor admitted, “so I drew a line in the sand when it comes to that.”

However, the actor managed to find balance by “eating a lot of chicken and lifting heavy things.”

The actor also told host Graham Norton that he landed the lead role in the film after a 30-minute conversation with director Scott.

“Ridley doesn’t waste time,” the actor said. “I thought there would be camera tests and auditions, but we zoomed for half an hour, talked about the role for 10 minutes and then 20 minutes about Gaelic football, his dog and his wife.”

He continued: “I thought there was more, but a few weeks later he called to offer me the role. I think he just follows his instincts on and off set, and I’m very glad it turned out that way.”

The film takes place years after the death of Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) and follows the life of the adult Lucius, son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).

The film’s official synopsis reads: “Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after his home has been conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now rule Rome with an iron fist. With anger in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to restore the glory of Rome to his people.

In addition to Mescal, the film stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Nielsen and Denzel Washington.