Denzel Washington has played myriad roles in the last decade, but none have been even remotely close to being similar to his Gladiator 2 part. Releasing over two decades after the first Gladiator movie, the Ridley Scott sequel film initially garnered some skepticism because of the director’s recent critical and commercial failures. However, with its trailer, Gladiator 2 has defied expectations and made audiences hopeful that the sequel might turn out to be as compelling (if not more) as the original 2000 film.

While only time will tell how Gladiator 2 will eventually perform, the film undoubtedly has a talented roster of actors, promising the sequel will deliver powerful performances and memorable character beats. Since all its leading actors, including Paul Mescal, Connie Neilsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Djimon Hounsou have an impressive line of films behind them, it is hard not to look forward to how they will portray their respective roles in Gladiator 2. However, more than anyone else, it is Denzel Washington’s characterization that raises curiosity for more reasons than one.

What We Know About Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Character

Denzel Washington Is Playing Macrinus In Gladiator 2

Although several details surrounding Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 character are still shrouded, Ridley Scott talked (via Vanity Fair) about him in an interview and revealed he is “an arms dealer” who has his fingers in several pies, including food and wine supplies, steel manufacturing, and weapon making. With so many business endeavors under his belt, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is a wealthy man. He also owns a massive stable where, instead of keeping racehorses, he accommodates gladiators. The director also called him “beautiful” and revealed he has a golden chariot.

Scott also said that Macrinus is “pretty f***ing cruel” to the gladiators in his stable, hinting that he might either be a morally grey character or rank among the film’s many antagonists. In Roman mythology, Macrinus assassinated Caracalla in 217 before replacing him as the new emperor. As his cruelty towards gladiators and unimaginable wealth suggests, he might have similar ambitions in Gladiator 2, making him more of a villain than a hero. Owing to this, he might use Lucius’ rise to power as a means to push his own agenda and plan to become the new emperor.

Denzel Washington Is Actually Having Fun In Gladiator 2

His Character Seems Way More Buoyant Than His Recent Roles

In recent years, Denzel Washington has primarily played serious characters in movies like The Equalizer 2 and 3 and The Tragedy of Macbeth. Although he has portrayed several diverse characters in his 50-year acting career, his roles in the past decade have had a consistent gravitas and intensity that has to be taken a little too seriously. In Gladiator 2, however, the actor seems to be having the time of his life as he is joking, laughing, and seemingly channeling the looseness he had in films like Training Day and 2 Guns.

As Gladiator 2‘s trailer suggests, he will still deliver a brilliant performance, but with a more refreshing twist that puts a freer version of him on full display. Along with being unrestrained, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus also seems to have a lot of snark and a massive ego, which is again reminiscent of the characters he played in films like American Gangster and Training Day. Given how it has been a while since he has portrayed such characters on the big screen, his role in Gladiator 2 is a welcome change that might also eventually become one of the biggest selling points for the film.

Why Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Role Is So Different

The Spotlight Will Not Be On Him In Gladiator 2

Denzel Washington has almost always been one of the leading characters in his movies, which puts the spotlight directly on him. In Gladiator 2, however, he is more of a supporting character and will likely have relatively less screen time compared to most of his other movies. Since he will not carry the weight of the entire film, it would be interesting to see how he will make the best out of his limited time on screen and still leave an impact with his performance. Who knows, his ability to command attention with his acting forte might even pave the way for him to lead a Gladiator 2 spin-off or sequel.