This week Gladiator II arrives in theaters and we spoke with one of the film’s most iconic actors, Denzel Washington about his role in the project as well as his work bringing August Wilson’s plays to screen.
Source: Cuba Scott / Paramount Pictures
Director Ridley Scott reimagines Rome at it’s most decadent and dirty for Gladiator II an epic story that picks up decades after the death of Maximus, continuing the saga of power and vengeance. The story follows Lucius (Paul Mescal) who is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical twin Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
BOSSIP’s Sr. Content Director Janeé Bolden spoke with Denzel Washington about his role as Macrinus, Master of gladiators.
Washington’s Macrinus is a cunning manipulator. Throughout the film he is occasionally playful, while also managing to be menacing. After earning his own freedom from slavery as a gladiator, Macrinus has amassed a great fortune and is strategically climbing the rungs power on a path that threatens to destroy the empire altogether.
As huge fans of Washington, it’s an absolute delight to watch Macrinus at work. We asked Denzel which tools he was most excited to put to use for this particular role.
“All of my tools. 48 years of experience — you know, from The Emperor Jones until now,” Washington told BOSSIP, referring to his early forays into college theater.
“The power behind the throne is kept by any means necessary,” Washington added, when asked about portraying the Roman strategist, who rose from slavery to the highest ranks of Roman society. “It was true then and it’s true now.”
Since Washington is famous for “leaving with something” we had to ask him what he left the Gladiator II set in Morocco and Malta with.
“An experience of warmth, of beautiful people,” Washington revealed. “A lovely fellow and and his wife were helping take care of me and she was making me good food, and great fish dishes, and just lovely, lovely, lovely people. Beautiful, beautiful islands.”
It’s a big month for Washington, whose latest August Wilson production The Piano Lesson arrives on Netflix the same day as Gladiator II opens in theaters.
“The greatest gift I was given by Constanza and the August Wilson Foundation or estate was the stewardship, if you will, of these plays and for me it’s the highlight of my career,” Washington said of his work bringing August Wilson’s plays to screen. “It’s the most important thing in my career right now and I hope August is pleased. He is my Edward Albee and he is my Tennessee Williams or any of the other great writers. I think he’s one of the greatest writers in the history of American theater and it’s an honor just to to be asked to be a part of his legacy.”
Gladiator II is in theaters November 22. Will you be watching?