MOVIE NEWS – Fans have long wondered about Denzel Washington’s role in Gladiator II, and the Oscar-winning star has recently provided insights in an interview with Empire magazine.

Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy and influential arms dealer who aspires to become emperor and is willing to do anything to achieve his goal. In the interview, Washington reveals that he is very selective about the roles he accepts these days, but the fact that Ridley Scott is directing Gladiator II made him say yes immediately. “There are very few films left that genuinely interest me because I need to work with an inspiring director,” Washington says. “Ridley is an incredibly inspiring filmmaker.”

The actor has experience working with Scott, having collaborated on American Gangster (2007), and Washington notes that the director has not lost his touch since. “He puts his heart and soul into what he does. He cares about life and fully immerses himself in the film. He is a real inspiration to me.”

Washington has also made four films with Ridley Scott’s brother, Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Déjà Vu, The Taking of Pelham 123, Unstoppable), so he was asked about the differences between the two directors’ styles. “When I’m on set, I’m completely focused on what I’m doing, so I don’t compare one director to the other. But it’s true that both are incredibly talented directors. They’re incapable of missing the mark,” the actor replied.

(Gladiator II – U.S. release: November 14, 2024)