Meet the Wirral actor who fights Paul Mescal in the epic blockbuster Gladiator II

Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s mega-budget blockbuster sequel, is already breaking box office records and for Wirral actor Lee Charles it’s been an epic career high.

He not only appears throughout the spectacular Gladiator II, he actually provides the first fight opponent for Paul Mescal’s character Lucius.

For former kickboxing world champion Lee, who comes from Rock Ferry, winning the role of Slovak in the year’s most anticipated action film was a boyhood dream come true.

“I’ve been obsessed with film since I was a kid, I worked in a video shop when I was 13, and every Christmas me and my dad used to watch Ben Hur and the Ten Commandments and Spartacus,” he says.  “I grew up watching those films so to fast-forward to now and be able to watch the sequel to one of the greatest movies of all time and actually be in it is mind-blowing.

“I went to see the original Gladiator six times, it’s one of my favourite films ever, so when I got a call asking me to audition for it, obviously I did. The next thing they got back in touch and said Ridley Scott had picked me for the part. I was driving at the time and I had to pull over, I was just so emotional.”

For Lee, who’s now 48, acting has been a second career he’s fallen in love with. He first got into action roles when he was still competing at the highest level as a kickboxer, then in 2010 he decided to retire and was able to fully focus on it.

“My instructor in America put me onto his stunt team and it went from there. I got into stunts in about 2005 then when I retired I got offered the chance to do a movie with a martial arts star called Scott Adkins.

“After that I kept being asked if I was comfortable with dialogue, and I just started getting in front of the right people. Whatever I do I give 110% to and I just found a niche for it. 

“I’m always the bad guy – one of my friends says to me, as soon as we see you in a scene we knowing it’s all going to kick off!”

For someone who’s had no formal training as an actor, Lee has an enviable CV. He appeared alongside two of his heroes, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, in The Expendables, in The Flash, Fast X with Jason Momoa and The Batman, filming with Colin Farrell as the Penguin.

He was also nominated for an Emmy for a fight scene in Gangs of London, where he was nicknamed The Butcher.

Working alongside some legends of the big screen has, he says, been like an ongoing masterclass.

“I love watching actors perform, and I’ve learnt from everyone I’ve worked with. Getting to see Gary Oldman do his thing was amazing, and the late Bernard Hill gave me some great tips when I was working with him.”

Lee’s dedication has paid off, but he doesn’t take anything for granted and he still trains at Hard Hitters gym in Birkenhead every morning at 4.30am.

“It’s about looking after yourself and knowing your capabilities,” he adds. “I intend to keep going for as long as I’m able to and ride this wave for as long as I can.

“If there’s one thing I’ve been taught through martial arts it’s to persevere. I’ve always had the attitude that nothing will stop me achieving what I want to achieve.”

Although he’s moved on to his next film project, Lee is obviously proud of Gladiator II now it’s finally out in cinemas and he has unbelievable memories of being part of it.

“In Malta they built the Coliseum which was just surreal. It was mind-boggling every day to get into costume and come out and see how vast it was.

“Paul Mescal was phenomenal, so hands-on, so talented as an actor but really welcoming to everyone on set. I think what people might not realise is he does everything, he learnt every fight you see in that movie, and to a really high standard.  

“After the first take of our fight Paul just ran to me and he went ‘oh my God’, it was that electric. When we finished I was with the FX guys and Ridley Scott came over and said, ‘I just wanted to say that was outstanding’ and having that moment was incredible. 

“Getting to work with one of the greatest directors that’s ever lived is like a dream and for him to give me that kind of compliment is humbling but at the same time it gives you that self-belief.”

Lee hasn’t actually watched the film yet, he’ll be doing that along with an audience at The Light in New Brighton on Saturday November 23, when he’s also doing a Q&A before the screening.

“This is so special to me I wanted to see it at home and experience it for the first time with my mum and dad and my girlfriend,” he says.

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