Summary
I always expected Ridley Scott’sGladiator IIto be a major event, yet I’m even more excited about the movie now that I’ve heard Denzel Washington’s thoughts on it. Set to premiere on July 18, 2025,Gladiator IIis the highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 sword-and-sandal hit,Gladiator.Not only is Ridley Scott returning to direct, but the movie also benefits from a huge, star-studded cast.Gladiator II’scastincludes the likes of Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
Since it was first announced, I have beenexcited aboutGladiator II.The movie will revive a beloved story while also giving audiences a significant experience from one of the greatest directors of his era. Additionally, Paul Mescal has been on an upward trajectory since his starring role as Connell inNormal People.The same can be said for Pedro Pascal, who recently rose to A-lister status after taking on starring roles inThe MandalorianandThe Last of Us.While I did have some concerns regarding theupcomingGladiatorsequel, Denzel Washington’s recent comments on the film have changed that.
Why Russell Crowe Isn’t In Gladiator 2
While there are seemingly obvious narrative reasons why Russell Crowe didn’t return for Gladiator 2, the full story is more complicated.
Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Comments Make Me Even More Excited For The Sequel
Washington Plays Macrinus In Gladiator 2
In a recent behind-the-scenes featurette onGladiator II,Denzel Washington claimed that it was the biggest filmhe had ever been in. His exact quote said, “I think this is the biggest film I’ve been on. They built the Colosseum! It’s a ride. The spectacle. Everywhere you turn, you feel like you’re in that world. And I love that.” This quote alone has me thrilled aboutGladiator II.Ridley Scott has always succeeded at building huge worlds, and it seems thatGladiator IIwill be no different despite all the concerns surrounding a legacy sequel.
Denzel Washington previously worked with Ridley Scott in 2007’sAmerican Gangster.
Washington’s comments are also significant because of who they are coming from.Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors of all time, having worked with several great filmmakers over the years. The actor has starred in various award-winning, critically acclaimed movies over the years such asThe Equalizer, Remember the Titans,andMalcolm X. Yet,Gladiator IIis the film that Washington labels as his biggest yet. While the word"big"could certainly describe the sheer scale of the movie, I also think that this compliment speaks to the quality of the film as well.
What To Expect From Denzel Washington’s Macrinus In Gladiator 2
Washington’s Character Should Be A Force To Be Reckoned With
InGladiator II,Denzel Washington plays Macrinus. His character is described as a power broker who wants to assert control over Rome. In this way, Macrinus has his hands in everything. Having made a name for himself in the trading of weapons and other items, Macrinus now mentors Lucius.Washington’sGladiator IIcharacteris"cruel"per Ridley Scott’s own (Vanity Fair).In this way, audiences can expect to see Washington in a fierce and commanding role inGladiator II.
What I’m particularly excited about when it comes to Macrinus is the fact that he could be an unexpected major villain ofGladiator II.While sword-and-sandal movies like these typically pit leaders as the villains, Washington’s Macrinus may give Emperors Geta and Caracalla a run for their money. Overall, I can’t wait to see the dynamics of this incredible cast and how Paul Mescal’s Lucius will make his way through this brutal, epic atmosphere.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
