Denzel Washington, at 69, is diving headfirst into his role as Macrinus in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator II. At an exclusive screening of the film on October 18 at Paramount Studios, Washington shared insights into the complex character he portrays in the epic sequel, set in ancient Rome. The veteran actor expressed excitement about joining the project, saying, “It’s Ridley [Scott]. It’s Gladiator. It’s yes.”
A Complicated Character for Denzel Washington
Washington’s character, Macrinus, is a wealthy arms dealer and former gladiator with ambitions to seize control of Rome. During a panel discussion following the screening, Washington shed light on the duality of Macrinus, saying, “He’s misunderstood. He’s a nice fellow. He’s a product of his environment. He’s trying to use everybody. He’d use his mother, his own children; he’s already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left.”
The actor described the immersive experience of filming in Malta, where life-size Roman sets and thousands of extras added authenticity to the film. “When you would walk around, you were in Rome, and it seemed like 10,000 extras and horses. It was make-believe, it was play, it was fun,” Washington explained. He also added a bit of humor, describing how putting on the elaborate costume helped him fully embody the role: “I’m putting this dress on, these rings, and I’m going crazy!”
A New Chapter for Gladiator
Gladiator II brings a fresh perspective with Paul Mescal playing Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus from the original film. Mescal expressed his excitement about taking on such a significant role, saying, “Lucius represented something to me that I had never done before.” He added that the sequel honors the legacy of the original, while also pushing the boundaries of the story. “I think it takes that honor and respect through the roof,” Mescal said.
Washington and Mescal, alongside a star-studded cast including Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, will bring the next chapter of Gladiator to theaters on November 22, 2024.