Denzel Washington Says AfterGladiator IIThere Are 'Few Films Left For Me to Make That I’m Interested In’

Mar. 15, 2025

Denzel Washington in 2022.Photo:Taylor Hill/WireImage

Taylor Hill/WireImage

IsDenzel Washingtonhinting at retiring from filmmaking?

The Oscar-winning actor and director, 69, indicated there are “very few films” that pique his interest in an interview withEmpireMagazineabout starring inRidley Scott’s upcomingGladiator II.

Scott, 86, “had a great go-round the first go-round” with Washington as a collaborator filming 2007’sAmerican Gangster, he continued. The British writer-director is “excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” added Washington. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”

JoiningPaul Mescal,Pedro PascalandConnie NielseninGladiator II, Washington plays Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who “wants to be Emperor and he’s willing to do anything to get there,” he toldEmpire. The new movie is the long-awaited sequel to Scott’s 2000 Oscar Best Picture winnerGladiator, which starredRussell Crowe.

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Denzel Washington in ‘Gladiator II’.Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures

Scott, speaking toVanity Fairin July, described Washington’sGladiator IIcharacter as “pretty f—ing cruel” to those fighting for their lives in Rome’s Colosseum.

The sequel, he told PEOPLE on the red carpet forAlien: Romuluson Aug. 12, is “as good as the first one.” The filmmaker added, “I didn’t say better. It’s as good.”

Gladiator II, from Paramount Pictures, will be in theaters Nov. 22.

source: people.com