With the imminent success of his new movie, ‘Gladiator II’, Paul found himself in Variety’s headquarters, filming their iconic ‘Actors on Actors’ interview. He wasn’t nervous per say, having done this before just shy of a year ago.

Walking into the studio, he was greeted first by the comfortable simplicity of the set – the small coffee table and two comfortable armchairs with a white backdrop - and then by his fellow actress.

Paul had heard all good thinks about her – he’s a man who does his research, after all. He’d even gone to the extent of watching her newest movie in the cinema, knowing that otherwise they wouldn’t have any conversation topic.

A couple handshakes and introductions later, they settled in the armchairs and waited for the filming countdown to end.

“So,” he began, breaking the ice. He clasped his hands together, leaning forward. “I wanted to start this off by congratulating you on your new movie, it’s really brilliant.”