Gladiator 2 is set to introduce a raft of new characters to the franchise – and Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is no exception. Given the length of time between Gladiator 2 and the original movie, as well as the events of the first film, it’s unsurprising that there have been some major changes to the cast of characters. However, while there are several new faces in the film – including Washington’s – some characters seem set to repeat traits already seen in some capacity in Ridley Scott’s Best Picture winner.

Although information about Gladiator 2 has been kept carefully under wraps, some details have now emerged about the 2024 project. The movie will revolve around Paul Mescal’s Lucius, whose character previously appeared in the original Gladiator as a young boy. While Lucius has built a life for himself away from the tainting influence of Rome in Numidia, he is soon forced back to his homeland when he is captured by a marauding general. This brings him face to face with the reality of life in the city following Commodus’ fall, as well as introducing him to characters like Denzel Washington’s Macrinus.

Denzel Washington’s Macrinus Is An Arms Deal In Gladiator 2

Understandably, some details around Denzel Washington’s exact character arc are unclear. However, ahead of the movie’s release, it has been confirmed that Macrinus acts as a kind of Ancient Roman arms dealer, with interests in many unsavory businesses across the empire. An opportunistic businessman, he is characterized as having a ruthless streak while also possessing undoubted intelligence and ambition – evidenced by his various enterprises.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Ridley Scott confirmed some key details about Washington’s Macrinus. As the legendary director explained:

“Denzel is an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, supplies wine and oil, makes steel, makes spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. So he is a very wealthy man. Instead of having a stable of racehorses, he has a stable of gladiators. He’s beautiful. He drives a golden Ferrari. I got him a gold-plated chariot.”

This description indicates that Macrinus may be the latest addition to Denzel Washington’s growing list of villain roles. This theory is reinforced by Scott’s remark that he is “pretty f***ing cruel” to his roster of gladiators. However, there may also be room for some potential moral ambiguity, making Macrinus’ involvement in the story potentially fascinating.

Was Denzel Washington’s Macrinus In The First Gladiator Movie?

Given that Denzel Washington was not involved in the original Gladiator, it’s almost certain that Macrinus was not featured in the film either. However, while Macrinus was not mentioned by name, nor appeared on screen, this does not necessarily mean that he had no involvement in the story. Considering that some of Gladiator‘s story took place in Zuccabar – geographically close to Lucius’ home in Numidia – it may be that Macrinus had a secret background role in Gladiator that went under the radar.

However, even if Denzel Washington’s character had no involvement in Gladiator at all, there’s still a sense that aspects of his personality may have appeared in the franchise before. His obvious aptitude for business, interest in gladiators, and disdainful attitude toward their lives is not unlike Proximo from the original Gladiator, played by Oliver Reed. It may well be the case that Macrinus plays a similar role in Gladiator 2, potentially having a relationship of sorts with Lucius. If this does prove to be the case, Macrinus may represent a continuation of an arc already explored in the Gladiator movies.

Is Denzel Washington’s Macrinus Based On A Real Person?

From Ridley Scott’s description, it sounds as though Macrinus is an influential businessman with more of an interest in wealth accrual than politics. However, if history is anything to go by, this is a slightly misleading characterization. In real life, Macrinus was a praetorian prefect who served under the emperor Caracalla – who is also a key player in Gladiator 2. The real Macrinus was born in Mauretania (now Algeira), near Lucius’ home in Numidia – again suggesting that this is the person Washington’s character is based on.

What makes this link to the historical Macrinus so interesting is that Macrinus was the man directly responsible for organizing the assassination of the tyrannical Caracalla. After succeeding, he became emperor in 217 AD – a period that may align with events in Gladiator 2. However, despite his successful coup, Macrinus only ruled for a year before he was himself executed after an insurrection organized by Caracalla’s aunt. This bloody history indicates that Washington’s Macrinus may play a pivotal role in the drama that’s sure to unfold in Gladiator 2.