Denzel Washington was one of the highlights of the Gladiator IIand the legendary actor's next historic role has a major connection to the Ridley Scott film that will completely change his allegiance. The addition of Denzel Washington to Ridley Scott's long-awaited film Gladiator the sequence was one of the most emotional parts of the film, with his role as Macrinus raising all sorts of questions before the film's release. Now that Washington has proven itself to be a fan favorite Gladiator IIhis next historical epic is even more exciting, especially thanks to this important connection.
In Gladiator IIDenzel Washington plays Macrinus, an antagonist who initially works alongside Paul Mescal's Lucius before revealing his true intentions at the end of the film. All over Gladiator IIMacrinus acts as a power broker who is trying to invade Rome's political powers, pitting the emperors against each other in hopes of taking control. At the end of Gladiator II, Macrinus successfully accomplishes this taskonly for him to be shot down by Lucius. Interestingly, however, this is not the end of Denzel Washington's stay in Rome.
Denzel Washington's Hannibal the Conqueror has a storied history with the Roman Empire
He was an enemy of Rome throughout his life
One of Denzel Washington's upcoming films is incredibly exciting, as the actor will collaborate with Training day and The equalizer director Antoine Fuqua once again to star in a film about the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal. Washington is set to play the Carthaginian general in the upcoming film, with him leading the people of Carthage in their battle against the Roman Republic. The story of Hannibal is tied to the story of Rome, which means that Denzel Washington will once again return to this Roman setting.
Hannibal was famous for being an enemy of Romewith the Roman Republic gaining power throughout its lifetime and having defeated Carthage during the First Punic War. Hannibal quickly became a force to be reckoned with during the Second Punic War, with him participating in some important battles. Even after his days as a general ended, Hannibal continued working against Rome. After running for the office of sufet, Hannibal enacted unpopular policies in Rome, later advising Antiochus III the Great during his war against Rome.
Hannibal will make Denzel Washington a hero who fought against Rome
Instead of Macrinus, who fought for Rome
Because Hannibal's life is so celebrated, there are all kinds of narratives that Antoine Fuqua's Hannibal film could follow. However, Deadline reported that the film will be set during the Second Punic War, following Hannibal as he leads his armies into some crucial battles against Rome. Since Hannibal will likely be the film's protagonist, this means that Denzel Washington's Hannibal will be framed as a hero who fought against Rome, which is incredibly interesting considering his history. Gladiator II history.
Although Denzel Washington's Macrinus makes some moves that attempt to overthrow the Roman Empire in Gladiator IIthe character generally loves Rome, with him just hoping to be the one in charge. In the last parts Gladiator IIMacrinus is leading Rome in battles for the empire, which is ironic considering Washington's role in the film Hannibal. After playing a character who only fights for Rome, Washington will now play a character who only fights against her, presenting both sides of the ancient story.
Denzel Washington's Hannibal Movie Could Be an Early Spiritual Prequel to Gladiator and Gladiator II
Washington gives the two films an important connection
Antoine Fuqua's Hannibal isn't a literal prequel to Ridley Scott's film Gladiator films, as they are two totally different productions. However, the next Hannibal film could function as a spiritual prequel, showing the events that took place years before the events of Gladiator and Gladiator II. The Second Punic War was a major event that helped shape Rome and the surrounding areas, so the film Hannibal will add even more context to the story. Gladiator films.
The fact that Denzel Washington plays Hannibal and Macrinus gives the two Rome-centered films a thematic connection, with the films representing both sides of the Roman Empire. Although the Hannibal movie is still a long way off, fans of Gladiator II You must be excited about this, as it will return the beloved actor to the incredible setting of Gladiator sequence.