Ridley Scott’s epic exploration of the Roman Empire continues with Gladiator II. The long-awaited sequel hits theaters 24 years later Gladiator dominated the 2000 box office with the story of a general forced to fight in the Colosseum as a gladiator. The sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus, the adult version of the child played by Spencer Treat Clark in the first film.
The impressive Gladiator II Cast also includes Pedro Pascal, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington in key roles. Washington last worked with director Scott in 2007 on American gangsterand resources in Gladiator II as Macrinus, arms dealer and businessman. Macrinus is also a gladiator manager, making him a key player in the events of the film’s sequel.
Screen speech interviewed Denzel Washington about his work on Gladiator II. Washington reflected on the character of Macrinus and working with Ridley Scott once again. Washington also revealed his feelings when shooting a film in a recreated version of Ancient Rome which, despite criticism from Gladiator IIHistorical accuracy made it easier for the actor to embody his character.
Denzel Washington is doing whatever it takes as Macrinus in Gladiator II
Washington’s character “wants to dominate, destroy and possess everything and everyone”.
Screen Rant: Fantastic work on this film. Incredible. The first Gladiator The film was made almost 25 years ago, it was the first DVD I owned. This film hits just as hard as the first, and its performance is absolutely incredible. Can you share your process of developing the story of Macrinus, particularly its connection to his journey from soldier to one of the richest men in Rome?
Denzel Washington: We don’t have enough time for all of this, but it came the hard way. The long way, the slow way. And he knows how to work in the background – in the back of the room. He is in bed with the devil and wants to dominate, destroy and possess everything and everyone. It’s a comedy.
Yes, it’s a very light-hearted comedy.
Denzel Washington: A feel-good comedy.
I find this character so fascinating. How does Macrinus’ ambition and control over the emperor reflect on modern business tycoons, and did you draw any parallels while preparing for the role?
Denzel Washington: Modern Business Tycoons? What do you mean?
I feel like there are a lot of modern business moguls who have political ambitions. They are in the ear of some of these big political players, and I feel like Macrinus is a little bit on that same journey.
Denzel Washington: Yes. What was the question?
Did you draw any parallels, [in] preparing for the role, [with] those modern business tycoons?
Denzel Washington: No. I mean, it was 2,000 years ago. I didn’t think about it. Not at all.
Of course. Well, can you describe the emotional journey that Macrinus goes through as he becomes more entrenched in his thirst for power?
Denzel Washington: He made a decision. He went to bed with the dark side. He wants to dominate and control the entire empire and will use anyone to do so. And he will do anything to get what he wants.
Denzel Washington works alongside Ridley Scott and mentors Paul Mescal’s Lucius in Gladiator II
“You could argue he’s a kind of father figure…”
Ridley Scott is an incredible filmmaker. Can you discuss working with him as a collaborator on this film? And the scale of this movie is incredible, man. It needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Denzel Washington: I appreciate you calling me a collaborator. It’s a Ridley Scott movie, man. I just went in and did my job. It’s called Gladiator, it’s not called Macrinus, so the focus wasn’t on me. I just needed to make sure I was present and doing what I was supposed to do, what I’m paid to do as an actor, and that’s what I did. I think Ridley is one of the greatest of all time and whenever he calls, I’ll be there.
Macrinus sees pure anger as a disadvantage. How does this philosophy influence your strategic maneuvers and interactions throughout the film?
Denzel Washington: He will be who he needs to be. Anger is limited. If he can do it with love and kisses – and I can kiss some guys in the movie… whatever it takes.
Whatever it takes. I love the scenes with you and Paul. I feel like there’s so much there. Can you explain the mentor/mentee dynamic between Macrinus and Lucius and how Macrinus sees shadows of himself in Lucius?
Denzel Washington: And appreciates that and wants to take advantage of that and take advantage of that. But yes, one could argue that he is a father figure of sorts.
Screen Rant: The scale of this film is incredible and almost transports you back in time. Was there a moment on set when you walked onto set and felt like you were transported back in time?
Denzel Washington: Always. In fact, even to get to our places where we were in the Colosseum… you had to climb, I don’t know, 200 steps to get up there, and he built Rome. He built Rome, so you’re walking through Rome [with] all the extras, and it was easy to feel that and be who your character is.
More about Gladiator II (2024)
Gladiator 2 is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning 2000 film Gladiator. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal starring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villainous Emperor Geta.
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Source: Screen Rant Plus