Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, has had the privilege of working with many of the industry’s top directors. Recently, he reunited with Ridley Scott, the director of the 2007 hit film American Gangster, for the much-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II. During a recent interview, Washington opened up about his experience working with the Scott brothers, Ridley and the late Tom Scott, and shared his thoughts on their distinct directing styles.
Working with Ridley Scott and Tom Scott
This is not the first time that Denzel Washington has worked with the Scott brothers. He collaborated in some movie projects with Tom Scott as Deja Vu in 2006, Man on Fire 2004 and Unstoppable 2010. But not only American Gangster but also Gladiator II can be credited to his collaboration with Ridley Scott.
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When he was asked about which of the two brothers was better, Washington was quick to say that he does not rank directors. “I don’t compare directors. Yes, you notice the different personalities. ‘I suppose they do,’ he said, in terms of skill set they were his peers but by temperament and style they were different.
Praise for Ridley Scott
Washington said on set he was happy to be back on Ridley Scott’s set after more than 11 years. He agreed that there are very few projects now which would appeal to him at this point of his career and would only do a film when he felt excited about the director and the concept behind the project. ‘I got greatly motivated by Ridley,’ he testified. He also thanked Ridley for the great work and for the cinema enthusiasm that he still has being 86 years old. “Everyone should want to feel like that at 86”, Washington continued, sarcastically but impressively towards Ridley and his unseen commitment.
Washington’s Role in Gladiator II
In Gladiator II the character played by Denzel Washington is that of Macrinus, a man of great wealth who owns a company that deals in arms and desires to be an Emperor. Washington stated his character was a crude, blind ambition – ‘he wants to be Emperor and he’s willing to do anything to get there.’ The film is supported by an A- list score of actors including Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, Paul Mescal as Lucius, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, and Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta.
The Excitement Surrounding Gladiator II
The original Gladiator film, released in 2000, was a massive success, earning several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. While Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, met his end in the first film, Gladiator II promises to continue his legacy through the story of Lucius, who rises from being an underdog to becoming a gladiator.
With Ridley Scott at the helm and a star-studded cast, expectations are high for this sequel. The film is set to be released internationally on November 15, 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another epic installment in the Gladiator saga.
