Gladiator II will feature Denzel Washington in an important role, continuing a trend that defined three of the actor’s best films. Denzel Washington is one of the most beloved actors of all timewith him appearing in all sorts of iconic films that have contributed to his legacy. Because of this, its addition to the Gladiator franchise is incredibly exciting, with Gladiator II already representing one of the actor’s greatest strengths.
Denzel Washington Gladiator II The role is one of the most interesting in the film, with him playing the character Macrinus. In Gladiator IIMacrinus is a former slave who became a power broker in Rome, aiming to overthrow the Empire and become Emperor. Macrinus maintains a roster of gladiators, Paul Mescal’s Lucius being one of them, leading the pair to work together to kill Pedro Pascal’s Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II.
Three of Denzel Washington’s best performances were as villains
Training Day, American Gangster and the Tragedy of Macbeth
Although Denzel Washington has been in many beloved films, three of his best performances were as villains. Denzel Washington has played a villain six times, with his minor villain performances occurring in John Q., Safe Houseand The little things. However, Washington also acted like a villain in Training day, American gangsterand The Tragedy of Macbethhis roles in these films being some of his best known.
These three films proved that Denzel Washington excels at playing villains, with some of them considered the best movie villains of all time. So, having the actor play a villain in a huge hit like Gladiator II has a lot of potential, delivering an incredibly moving theatrical presentation.
Gladiator 2 Could Be One of Denzel Washington’s Best Villain Roles Yet
He’s already getting Oscar news
Initial reviews for Gladiator II are already praising the film, which means it could end up being another one of the best films Washington has ever appeared in. Denzel Washington’s return to villainy in Gladiator II could make it one of his best roles, as his plan in Ridley Scott’s sequel seems to be much bigger than in his previous villain films.
Denzel Washington’s role in Gladiator II is already receiving Oscar buzz, further reinforcing the idea that this could be his best villainous role yet. While he is in negotiations for Best Supporting Actor, there have also been rumors that Gladiator II he could campaign in Washington for Best Actor, something that would be even more impressive. So while Gladiator II hasn’t been released yet, Denzel Washington’s role in it is one of the most exciting parts of the sequel.