The biggest surprise of “Gladiator II” is not that Denzel Washington is great.
Instead, it’s how pivotal his character Macrinus is to the long-awaited sequel starring Paul Mescal as the heir of Russell Crowe’s iconic character Maximus.
But it’s Washington’s Macrinus who moves “Gladiator II” forward.
“His grand purpose,” Washington told NBC News, “is to take over the world.”Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, Pedro Pascal plays Gen. Acacius and Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in “Gladiator II.” Aidan Monaghan / Paramount PicturesTo select his gladiators, Macrinus leans into their rage.
“Almost everything that is done in the film, I’ve done before: fight scenes, swords, riding horses,” he said, noting one exception.
Persons:
“, Washington, Paul Mescal, Russell Crowe’s, Lucius, Washington’s Macrinus, ” Washington, Denzel Washington, Macrinus, Pedro Pascal, Acacius, Connie Nielsen, Lucilla, ” Aidan Monaghan, stokes, ”, Crowe’s, —, Ridley Scott, Thelma, Louise, ” Scott “, Scott, ’ ” Washington, “ He’s, ’ ” Paul Mescal, Caesar, Janty Yates, Cuba Scott, I’ve, “ I’ve, It’s, Malcolm, Katia, John David, Pauletta, “ we’re
Organizations:
NBC News, Paramount Pictures, Netflix
Locations:
” Washington, Cuba, Pittsburgh