Paul Mescal said gaining and shedding weight for two of his upcoming movies was "miserable." Mescal told Variety he gained 22 pounds for "Gladiator II" and then lost 26 for "The History of Sound." More male actors are opening up about the toll changing weight for roles takes on their mind and body.

On Wednesday photographer Aidan Monaghan rubbed shoulders with the stars of Sir Ridley Scott's epic blockbuster Gladiator 2. He took the official photographs on set which are adorning billboards across the world.

Gladiator II star Paul Mescal wanted to separate himself as much as possible from the first movie.