Denzel Washington's Macrinus Is An Arms Deal In Gladiator 2
While some details about Denzel Washington's character arc are unclear, it has been confirmed that Macrinus acts as an Ancient Roman arms dealer. Macrinus is characterized as having a ruthless streak while also possessing intelligence and ambition.
Ridley Scott revealed that Macrinus is a wealthy man who supplies armies with food, wine, oil, weapons, and catapults. Scott also described Macrinus as having a stable of gladiators and driving a gold-plated chariot.
Was Denzel Washington's Macrinus In The First Gladiator Movie?
Denzel Washington was not in the original Gladiator, and Macrinus was not featured in the film. However, considering that parts of Gladiator took place in Zuccabar, which is near Lucius' home in Numidia, it's possible that Macrinus had a hidden role in the first movie.
Macrinus' interest in gladiators and disdainful attitude towards their lives is similar to Proximo from the original Gladiator, played by Oliver Reed. Macrinus may play a similar role in Gladiator 2, potentially having a relationship with Lucius.
Is Denzel Washington's Macrinus Based On A Real Person?
Macrinus is described as an influential businessman. However, the historical Macrinus was a praetorian prefect who served under the emperor Caracalla, who is also a key player in Gladiator 2. The historical Macrinus was born in Mauretania, near Lucius' home in Numidia.
The real Macrinus orchestrated the assassination of Caracalla and became emperor in 217 AD. He was executed after a year in power. This bloody history suggests that Washington's Macrinus may play a pivotal role in the drama of Gladiator 2.
Denzel Washington's Macrinus Could Be Gladiator 2's Antagonist
Scott's description of Macrinus as "pretty fing cruel" to his gladiators suggests he might be the antagonist of the film. However, there's room for some potential moral ambiguity, which could make Macrinus' role in the story more fascinating.
Macrinus' intelligence and ambition could lead him to make alliances or betrayals that could affect the story's outcome. His ruthless approach to business and his connection to the historical Macrinus who assassinated Caracalla point to him potentially being a complex antagonist in Gladiator 2.
