SNL Gladiator 2 Musical Parody Receives Praise for Being “Better than Wicked”

Fans of Paul Mescal were treated to an unexpected delight this week as the talented actor brought a whimsical twist to his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live (SNL), featuring a musical parody of Gladiator 2.

With the simultaneous release of Wicked and Gladiator 2 slated for November 2024, audiences are experiencing what many are dubbing an unofficial “Glicked”month. Both films have resonated strongly with viewers, prompting SNL to cleverly tap into this cultural phenomenon.

During his SNL hosting debut, Mescal entertained viewers with a sketch spotlighting Gladiator 2, and it has recently taken social media by storm. Many fans are claiming that the parody’s visuals outshine those of the record-breaking musical it references.

Paul Mescal’s Gladiator SNL Sketch: A Surprising Hit

The sketch, which can be viewed below, transports audiences to a vibrant Rome characterized by singing and dancing gladiators. Mescal passionately showcases his dance moves amidst a choreographed battle scene, while Lin-Manuel Miranda is humorously called upon to deliver a rap performance reminiscent of Hamilton for the role of the nefarious ruler.

Watch the sketch here

Responses on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. One user on X mused, “Why does this look better than Wicked?” Another chimed in with, “Remarkable that an SNL sketch is actually well-lit.” Supporters have even pointed out the irony that SNL’s lighting and production values seem to outshine those of some major film releases.

Leading up to its release, Wicked faced criticism regarding its visual presentation, prompting some viewers to suggest that the SNL parody surpasses even Gladiator 2 itself. A comment read, “I’m rating this higher than Gladiator 2,” further highlighting the admiration for the sketch’s quality.

Perhaps most surprising has been Mescal’s musical talent, which caught many off guard. Fans are now expressing a desire for him to take on more musical roles in the future. Notably, Mescal starred in the 2022 musical Carmen alongside Melissa Barrera, yet viewers are eager for him to showcase his whimsical side again.

As one user succinctly put it, “He excels as both a serious actor and action star, but it’s time for him to explore his comedic and musical talents.”

To stay in the loop, don’t miss updates about the anticipated Wicked Part 2 and find out why May Calamawy is absent from the Gladiator 2 sequel.

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