WATCH: Paul Mescal looks unrecognisable in eagerly awaited Gladiator II trailer

The eagerly awaited first trailer for the blockbuster Gladiator sequel starring Kildare's own Paul Mescal has debuted online. 

The Maynooth native's stock continues to rise ahead of the film's release on November 15 and the trailer has set fans wagging. Mescal, who transforms into a Roman warrior for the role, leads the blockbuster line-up as Lucius Verus, grandson of Rome’s former emperor Marcus Aurelius and son of Lucilla. 

The sequel comes 24 years after Ridley Scott's original which saw Russell Crowe win an Oscar for his portrayal of Maximus Decimus Meridius.

In the action-packed trailer, Mescal's character can be seen locked in battle with a rhino and a sword fight with Pedro Pascal.

Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome.

A synopsis of the film reads: "Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.

"With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people."