I am cornily proud of that title because when I came up with it, it only applied to one story but now I realise that it actually works for two! Let me explain… 

 

In London last night, the Gladiator II premiere, with director Ridley Scott and cast members Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and more. This is meant to be a movie that ENTERTAINS, and I’m stressing that because everyone involved seems to understand this, especially Paul Mescal. Not only when he told GQ that he wants as many people as possible to see this film and what they’re aiming for here is a box office smash hit, but in his general attitude on this press tour – which is FUN, he is exuberant, he is as unserious as he needs to be without verging on disrespectful. You can tell he’s proud of the work that the team has accomplished, and that he’s chosen to wear his pride with joy, understanding that being happy about something doesn’t take away its gravitas. If only more people could appreciate this and apply it to the way they perceive actual comedy. Obviously Gladiator II isn’t a comedy but my point is about how things are presented and received. 

 

So here’s Paul, still maintaining his enthusiasm at the London premiere after weeks of relentless travel and interviews and appearances, in a moment that’s popped off on social media from the carpet. It happens when he sees Andrew Scott, his good friend and co-star from All of Us Strangers, and rushes over to greet him in a back hug: 

 

Whoever it is saying “that’s the money shot” in the background is annoying AF, but he’s also not lying. It is the “money shot” for all the thirsty bitches online who’ve been stanning these two since their film came out last year – and if you haven’t seen it, please get on that because it’s wonderful, pure and gorgeous and wonderful. 

 

So that’s one “stranger” but the other stranger is Joseph Quinn, who has a supporting role in Gladiator II but who the kids mainly know from Stranger Things. And the gossip here is that Doja Cat showed up at the after-party. It was first confirmed in August that the two are dating and her presence last night confirms that these two are still a thing. As I said at the time, nobody is mad about this and everyone is horny. My imagination about Doja and Joe is only set to x-rated. 

 

Lust aside, though, 2024 was an excellent year for Joseph Quinn. A Quiet Place: Day One was a big deal. Gladiator II is going to be a big deal. And he’s hinted at a return to Stranger Things season five and even if that doesn’t materialise, you’re looking at the new Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, which he’s been filming over the last month or so, just before he started promoting Gladiator II. Prior to that he was working on Alex Garland’s next film, Warfare. Alex’s most recent film, Civil War, performed so well at the box office for A24 that they gave him more money for Warfare, which is now A24’s most expensive project to date. So there’s a lot more to Joseph Quinn’s ascent. Doja was crushing on an emerging star who is continuing to rise – and she still has her man.