DONT MISS: Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 Character Explained: Everything We Know About Macrinus and the incredible roles he had to play amid the …… See More

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.

Gladiator 2 will release in theaters on November 22, 2024.

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.

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.