Denzel Washington Talks About His Return to the Colosseum in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II

“You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it.” – Denzel Washington

“In any profession, it gets to be a grind.”

Denzel Washington, an enduring force in Hollywood since his breakout in the ’70s, has had a remarkable career that spans a diverse range of roles. From playing iconic characters like Macbeth to his portrayal of The Equalizer, Washington has left an indelible mark on cinema. His illustrious journey even took him to Ancient Rome in 1979 for the New York Shakespeare Festival’s performance of Coriolanus. With such a robust filmography, it’s no wonder he’s become selective about his projects. His latest choice? A return to the Colosseum in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator II, which hits theaters this fall.

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Reflecting on his decision to join the Gladiator II cast, Washington revealed in an interview that he is drawn to projects by the filmmakers who inspire him. “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker,” Washington shared. “I was tremendously inspired by Ridley.” This isn’t the first time Washington has teamed up with Ridley Scott. The duo previously worked together on the 2007 film American Gangster, where Washington delivered a gripping performance as mob boss Frank Lucas. Washington also had a prolific partnership with Ridley’s late brother, Tony Scott, collaborating on notable films such as Man On Fire, Crimson Tide, Déjà Vu, and Unstoppable.

When asked about the differences between working with the Scott brothers, Washington was reflective but non-comparative. “I don’t compare directors,” he said. “You see the different personalities. They do have their own styles, but I’m focused on my work during filming. Both are obviously great filmmakers. They can’t miss.” His respect for the craftsmanship of both directors is evident, as is his admiration for Ridley Scott’s enduring passion for filmmaking.

Denzel Washington Hints At Retirement After Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’: “Very Few Films Left”https://t.co/tIP79au1Fa

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Despite becoming more selective in his choice of projects, Washington has no qualms about his decision to collaborate with Ridley Scott again. “He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel like that at 86,” he expressed with genuine admiration. Washington’s excitement for Gladiator II is palpable, describing it as the biggest film he’s been a part of. “They built the Colosseum!” he exclaimed in a promotional video. “It’s a ride. It’s a spectacle. Everywhere you turn, you feel like you’re in that world. And I love that.”

Key Points:

• Denzel Washington’s Selective Projects: With a long and varied career, Washington is now more selective, choosing projects that genuinely inspire him.
• Reuniting with Ridley Scott: Washington returns to work with director Ridley Scott in Gladiator II, having previously collaborated on American Gangster.
• Respect for Both Scott Brothers: While Washington has worked with both Ridley and the late Tony Scott, he avoids comparing their directing styles, acknowledging their unique talents.
• Admiration for Ridley Scott: Washington praises Scott’s enthusiasm for filmmaking, highlighting his energy and passion at 86 years old.
• Excitement for Gladiator II: Washington expresses his excitement for the scale and immersion of Gladiator II, calling it the biggest film of his career.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News