Denzel Washington is set to bring a powerful new character to life in Ridley Scott’s eagerly awaited sequel, Gladiator II, which is set to hit theaters on November 22.
As the buzz builds, Washington recently offered fans a glimpse into his role, adding even more excitement to the already anticipated film.
The story follows Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus II, the nephew of Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix in the original Gladiator).
After being forced into slavery, Lucius returns to Rome not as royalty, but as a gladiator, hungry for revenge and power, determined to restore Rome’s glory to its people.
Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer and former gladiator with plans to take control of Rome.
During a Q&A, Washington lightheartedly described his character, saying, “He’s misunderstood. He’s a nice fellow.”
But as he went on, it was clear that Macrinus is anything but.
“He’s trying to use everybody. He’d use his mother, he’d use his own children; he’s already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left. He’s in bed with the devil.”
Washington also praised Ridley Scott’s attention to detail, sharing that the life-sized sets in Malta made it easy to step into the world of ancient Rome.
“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; just put the gear on, put the dress on and go, that’s the way I look at it. I’m putting this dress on, these rings and I’m going crazy.”
With its epic scale, gripping storylines, and Denzel Washington’s fierce portrayal of Macrinus, Gladiator II is poised to make a major impact.
Be sure to catch the trailer below and mark your calendars for November 22!
Living legend Debbie Allen attended an advanced screening of the film and took to Instagram writing, “Denzel Washington is GLORIOUS in Gladiator! Don’t Walk.. RUN to see it when it opens!!! OOOOWEEE!! Can’t wait to see it again ❤️👏🏼❤️👏🏼”
I can’t wait to see the film! How about you?
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