Filmgoers enthralled by the box-office hit Gladiator II will recognise Year 10 student Alfie Tempest from Sawtry Village Academy, who shines as young Lucius.
The character of Lucius, portrayed as an adult by Paul Mescal, is central to the film’s story, and Alfie appears in flashback scenes that explore Lucius’s past and the formative moments that shape his journey.
Speaking about his experience, Alfie, who was born in Peterborough and now lives near Huntingdon, said: “I auditioned for the part at home after being sent the script. I couldn’t believe it when I got the role, and I have to thank my dad for helping me during the audition. He scared me on purpose so I could cry to help with the role, and it worked!”
Alfie’s performance and attitude to filming has drawn personal praise from director Ridley Scott. “Getting such great feedback from such an amazing director makes me feel really proud and excited for what’s next,” Alfie, aged 14, added.
Filming took Alfie to Morocco and Malta, where he saw the incredible recreation of the Colosseum, which features heavily in the film.
Describing his time filming abroad, he said: “The hotel we stayed in in Morocco was surreal. It was small, castle-like, and in the middle of the desert. One day, while I was sitting by the pool with my mum, a large group of bodyguards arrived with Director Ridley Scott, and Actors Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Paul Mescal. They said hello and mentioned they were going to use the area for a meeting. It was amazing.
“I got to spend lots of time with them during filming, and they were more than happy to talk to me and answer my questions about being an actor or director.”
Speaking about his favourite part of the film, Alfie said: “The end scene with the battle between the armies of Macrinus and Lucius is brilliant, and I loved all the fights with the Gladiators and animals in the Colosseum.”
This isn’t Alfie’s first time in front of the camera. His acting credits include appearances in Masters of the Air alongside Austin Butler, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and Bodies with Stephen Graham.
Despite his success, Alfie remains grounded and focused on his future aspirations. Once he finishes his studies, he hopes to attend art school and dreams of landing a role in a Marvel film.
“My favourite actors are Jim Carrey, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr.,” he said. “They are so funny and inspired me a lot.”
The second youngest of six children, Alfie credits his parents for inspiring his love of acting. His dad has experience in acting and directing, while his mum has a background in theatre.
“They love it. My grandad cried when he saw the film with me,” Alfie said. “Everyone at school has been really supportive, and it’s been great having students and teachers come up to me and ask me about it.”
As Gladiator II continues to make waves at the box office, Alfie’s journey to the big screen is a proud moment for his school community.
Olivia Youell, Alfie’s Drama Teacher and Senior Tutor said: “I could not be more impressed with the way in which Alfie manages his school life alongside his professional acting work. It’s a real pleasure to see the passion with which he talks about his roles. Alfie is also a great theatre actor, and it is no surprise that he is also doing very well in his GCSE drama lessons!”
Principal Simon Parsons added: “We could not be prouder of Alfie’s achievements and to see how his acting career has developed over the past few years has been inspiring for other students.”
