Summary
Denzel Washingtonhas played myriad roles in the last decade, but none have been even remotely close to being similar to hisGladiator 2part. Releasing over two decades after the firstGladiatormovie, theRidley Scott sequel filminitially garnered some skepticism because of the director’s recent critical and commercial failures. However, with its trailer,Gladiator 2has defied expectations and made audiences hopeful that the sequel might turn out to be as compelling (if not more) as the original 2000 film.
While only time will tell howGladiator 2will eventually perform, the film undoubtedly has a talented roster of actors, promising the sequel will deliver powerful performances and memorable character beats. Since all its leading actors, including Paul Mescal, Connie Neilsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Djimon Hounsou have an impressive line of films behind them, it is hard not to look forward to how they will portray their respective roles inGladiator 2. However, more than anyone else, it is Denzel Washington’s characterization that raises curiosity for more reasons than one.
Gladiator 2 Cast & Character Guide
The Gladiator sequel boasts a cast of characters both old and new, with actors from Stranger Things and The Mandalorian joining the epic story.
What We Know About Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Character
Denzel Washington Is Playing Macrinus In Gladiator 2
Although several details surroundingDenzel Washington’sGladiator 2characterare still shrouded, Ridley Scott talked (viaVanity Fair) about him in an interview and revealed he is “an arms dealer” who has his fingers in several pies, including food and wine supplies, steel manufacturing, and weapon making. With so many business endeavors under his belt,Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is a wealthy man. He also owns a massive stable where, instead of keeping racehorses, he accommodates gladiators. The director also called him “beautiful” and revealed he has a golden chariot.
In Roman mythology, Macrinus assassinated Caracalla in 217 before replacing him as the new emperor.
Scott also said that Macrinus is “pretty f***ing cruel” to the gladiators in his stable, hinting that he might either be a morally grey character or rank among the film’s many antagonists. In Roman mythology, Macrinus assassinated Caracalla in 217 before replacing him as the new emperor. As his cruelty towards gladiators and unimaginable wealth suggests, he might have similar ambitions inGladiator 2, making him more of a villain than a hero. Owing to this, he might use Lucius' rise to power as a means to push his own agenda and plan to become the new emperor.
Denzel Washington Is Actually Having Fun In Gladiator 2
His Character Seems Way More Buoyant Than His Recent Roles
In recent years, Denzel Washington has primarily played serious characters in movies likeThe Equalizer 2and 3 andThe Tragedy of Macbeth. Although he has portrayed several diverse characters in his 50-year acting career, his roles in the past decade have had a consistent gravitas and intensity that has to be taken a little too seriously. InGladiator 2, however, the actor seems to be having the time of his life as he is joking, laughing, andseemingly channeling the looseness he had in films likeTraining Dayand2 Guns.
AsGladiator 2’s trailersuggests, he will still deliver a brilliant performance, but with a more refreshing twist that puts a freer version of him on full display. Along with being unrestrained, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus also seems to have a lot of snark and a massive ego, which is again reminiscent of the characters he played in films likeAmerican GangsterandTraining Day. Given how it has been a while since he has portrayed such characters on the big screen, his role inGladiator 2is a welcome change that might also eventually become one of the biggest selling points for the film.
Why Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Role Is So Different
The Spotlight Will Not Be On Him In Gladiator 2
Denzel Washington has almost always been one of the leading characters in his movies, which puts the spotlight directly on him. InGladiator 2, however,he is more of a supporting characterand will likely have relatively less screen time compared to most of his other movies. Since he will not carry the weight of the entire film, it would be interesting to see how he will make the best out of his limited time on screen and still leave an impact with his performance. Who knows, his ability to command attention with his acting forte might even pave the way for him to lead aGladiator 2spin-off or sequel.
Gladiator II
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
