A Novel Approach: Denzel Washington in Gladiator 2
For good reason, the Gladiator 2 teaser has got everyone talking! Among the most often discussed topics is one: Obviously Denzel Washington. We haven't seen him perform a character with this much swagger and snark in some time, thus it's a welcome change.
Macrinus: an Effective and "Beautiful" Arms Dealer
Though we know very little about Denzel Washington's character, Macrinus, Ridley Scott has dropped some quite tantalizing hints. Rich and strong armaments dealer Macrinus has fingers in plenty of pies. He runs a huge stable, but instead of horses he houses gladiators. Scott even described Macrinus as "beautiful" and noted he had a fancy golden chariot.
The catch is that Macrinus treats his gladiators also "pretty fing cruel". At best, we are discussing a morally grey character who could be a complete villain. Roman mythology holds Macrinus as having taken his throne and assassinated the Emperor Caracalla. He might thus be aiming for a Gladiator 2 power play of a like nature.
Another Viewpoint of Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington last portrayed a character with this kind of "loosening down," some time ago. He has performed major roles including The Equalizer and The Tragedy of Macbeth over the past ten years. But in Gladiator 2 he seems to be having a blast. Channeling the kind of energy he had in movies like Training Day and 2 Guns, the trailer shows him laughing and kidding.
Though his performance will still be strong, it's a welcome variation. Reminiscent of the characters Macrinus portrayed in American Gangster and Training Day, he is snarky, egotistical, and unrestrained. Seeing him assume this kind of responsibility once more excites me!
More Than a Supporting Actor
Usually the front man in his films, Denzel Washington plays a supporting role in Gladiator 2. In little screen time will he still be able to have a significant impact? Surely. His unquestionably great ability to enthrall audiences And who knows, perhaps this will even inspire a Gladiator 2 spin-off including Macrinus!
The Real hype is
Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou – the list goes on – Gladiator 2 boasts a stacked cast. Having Ridley Scott at the helm, this gifted team will ensure a visually spectacular epic with outstanding performances.
Denzel Washington's part is already generating a lot of buzz for good reason. We haven't seen this different side of him in some time, thus it's something to get thrilled about!
