Denzel Washington on Gladiator II with Ridley Scott

Denzel Washington is set to make his mark in the ancient Roman epic "Gladiator II," where he will portray the character Macrinus. In an exclusive interview with Empire magazine, Washington expressed his excitement about collaborating once again with director Ridley Scott, stating that he finds Scott's work tremendously inspiring. The two previously teamed up for the acclaimed 2007 film "American Gangster," and Washington emphasized the importance of being motivated by the filmmaker, especially as he approaches his own career's later stages. The highly anticipated sequel features a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal, who takes on the role of Lucius, the now-adult son of Lucila, played by Connie Nielsen in the original film. The storyline follows Lucius as he returns to a conquered Rome, where he is forced to fight in the Colosseum. The film's synopsis reveals that Lucius must confront his past to reclaim strength and honor, aiming to restore glory to the Empire amidst the tyranny of its current rulers. In addition to Washington and Mescal, Pedro Pascal joins the cast as Marcus Acacius, the general responsible for the destruction of Lucius' homeland, Numidia. "Gladiator II" is set to hit theaters in the United States on November 22, promising to deliver a gripping continuation of the beloved original. Empire's exclusive cover featuring "Gladiator II" will be available on newsstands starting August 29.