Denzel Washington is breaking his Gladiator 2 sequel drought, and it could define the next 10 years of his film career

The next release of Gladiator II and set to be one of the biggest action epics of the year. Not just because of the huge success of the 2000 original, but because Washington’s role first marks a significant career – as it will be Washington’s first appearance in an existing franchise and the second sequel he’s made. The 2024 film is a continuation of Ridley Scott’s legendary 24-year story, which won five Oscars in 2001. Considering the actor’s selection process for joining projects, his decision to sign a contract Gladiator II could define the next 10 years of Washington’s career.

The hype around Gladiator II owes some credit to the reunion between Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott, 17 years after their collaboration on the acclaimed American gangster. Scott shared with Empire what Gladiator II “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done… [well] One of the best things, I made some good ‘ones,“And this historic next move gives Washington the opportunity to match an Oscar feat that only seven other actors have accomplished.

Gladiator 2 is only the second sequel Denzel Washington has made (and his first existing franchise)

Washington Turned Down Many Iconic Franchise Roles

Gladiator II is a significant moment in Denzel Washington’s career as it marks his second streak after The equalizer 2 and 3and his first time joining an existing franchise. Surprisingly, Gladiator II It will be the first time Washington has been involved in a sequel in which he was not part of the first. This is notable given that Washington has been active for nearly half a century through a series of eclectic projects. This may be because Washington’s experience in independent films made him better equipped to guide the production process and develop a unique vision for his characters.

Washington’s performance is largely unparalleled and gives him autonomy to select the roles that truly resonate with him and engage in the projects he is most passionate about. This means that even the biggest roles Washington turned down in countless iconic franchises don’t hurt his reputation. By choosing to do Gladiator II His first appearance in a sequel, this hints at the strength of Scott’s next project and provides some insight into just how intricate the characters in this action epic will be. Especially for Washington’s character, Macrinus, the slave who won his freedom in the Gladiators’ arenas.

Gladiator 2 opens the door for Denzel Washington to join other major franchises

It might be interesting to see Washington in the MCU or DCEU

Denzel Washington’s involvement in Gladiator II could signal a major reversal in his approach to character-driven narratives. If Gladiator II works at the currently anticipated rate, Scott’s sequel success could overturn Washington’s reluctance to sign existing franchises. In the same way, Gladiator II it will open doors for many other profitable franchises, which include the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC comic book universe. Although it is important to note that Washington will not be restricted to just these franchises, as contracts within the Bond, Avatar or Mission: Impossible franchises may remain on offer for Washington’s participation.

It should be noted that, in addition to Denzel Washington’s role in Gladiator II creating a major new career trend, Hollywood’s transition scenario further increases the circumstances for Washington to join other major franchises. These sequels have come to dominate the big screen in recent years, where the growth of franchises like Jurassic World and Indiana Jones are increasingly prevalent. This results in actors who might traditionally be associated with independent films now appearing in blockbuster sequels – possibly the most obvious example being Batman where Robert Pattinson starred as Bruce Wayne.

Denzel Washington having a franchise era at this point in his career would be extremely exciting

Washington would excel in any project it was part of

Although it is not yet confirmed that it is fully planned for the actor, his talent and charisma make the franchise era a captivating project. With a number of honors, including two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, Washington has consistently demonstrated his greatest proficiency as an actor. Franchises often involve a lot of world-building and sprawling stories that would benefit greatly from Washington’s experience creating multi-layered characters.

Additionally, the unexpected venture into franchising will likely lead to several other creative partnerships. Denzel Washington’s collaboration with other talented actors and filmmakers can be incredibly excitingand it could lead to some partnerships that Hollywood would greatly benefit from. Not only would these franchises have the potential to reach wider audiences, but they would also showcase Denzel Washington’s versatility and solidify his status as a cinematic legend.