One of the more interesting castings in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated “Gladiator” sequel, is that of Denzel Washington.
Scott and Washington previously collaborated on “American Gangster,” but the actor famously never did sequels until his “The Equalizer” franchise came along. Even so, those films were a starring vehicle for him.
Here he’s in a major role in a blockbuster sequel, albeit a high-profile one considering the pedigree, which has Paul Mescal in the lead and co-stars the likes of Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Matt Lucas and Derek Jacobi.
Details of Washington’s character however have been under wraps. Now, speaking with Total Film, Scott says Denzel’s role is effectively a look at the life that was never available to Crowe’s Maximus – namely that of a former gladiator who won his freedom and is now rich. At the same time, he hasn’t forgotten what he was put through:
“As for Denzel’s character… There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive. That was the deal. So we went right into that, in-depth. Where did he come from? How was he taken? He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that’s how he comes into the story. He’s a rich guy who’s still carrying a grudge.”
The story of the new film remains under wraps, though we do know it follows a grown-up Lucius (Mescal) and will see several returning characters (Nielsen, Hounsou, Jacobi).
A key point is the timing which will take place around early 3rd century AD when brothers Caracalla (Hechinger) and Geta (Quinn) jointly ruled as Emperors. Caracalla was a bloodthirsty tyrant who ordered his older brother’s murder just months after their father died. Both will likely serve as the villains of the piece here.
“Gladiator 2” was halfway through filming before the actor’s strikes halted production. Filming is expected to resume once they are over with a release still likely for sometime in 2024.
