Denzel Washington Excitedly Speaks on ‘Gladiator II’: “I think this is the biggest film I’ve been on” [VIDEO]

In a new featurette for ‘Gladiator II,’ Denzel Washington shares his excitement about the project, calling it one of the biggest films he thinks he’s worked—a significant statement considering his illustrious career.

Alongside Washington, the film boasts an impressive cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger.

Written by David Scarpa from a story developed with Peter Craig, the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster is set several years after the events of the original Gladiator.

The plot follows Lucius (Mescal), the son of Lucilla (Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the original film), who is now living a peaceful life with his family in Numidia. His tranquility is disrupted when General Marcus Acacius (Pascal) invades, forcing Lucius into slavery. Inspired by the legendary Maximus (played by Russell Crowe in the original film), Lucius becomes a gladiator to challenge the rule of Emperors Caracalla (Hechinger) and Geta (Quinn).

Washington’s character, Macrinus, is an arms dealer who has grown wealthy by supplying food and weapons to Roman armies in Europe. He also owns his own gladiator fighters.

In the featurette, Washington says, “They built the colosseum. It’s a ride, a spectacle. Everywhere you turn, you feel like you’re in that world.” He laughs and adds, “And I love that.”

The star-studded ensemble also includes Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, and newcomers to the franchise. The film is produced by Douglas Wick, Ridley Scott, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, and David Franzoni, with Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, and Aidan Elliott serving as executive producers.

Gladiator II is set to hit theaters on November 22, competing against the first installment of Universal Pictures’ Wicked and Angel Studios’ drama Bonhoeffer. Washington also has another project, The Piano Lesson, which he is producing, premiering on Netflix the same day.

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