Gladiator II
WARNING : SPOILERS forwards for Gladiator II .
Denzel Washington ’s Oscars repulse forGladiator IIdoesn’t dissuade his impact on Ridley Scott ’s extremely - anticipate subsequence . Before its theatrical release in November 2024,Gladiator IIwas contemplate to be a heavy challenger atthe 2025 Academy Awards , which take stead on March 2 . Surprisingly , Gladiator IIwas only nominated in one family , Costume Design , despite being the 12thhighest - gross movie of 2024and meet mostly positive reviews , resulting in aRotten Tomatoesscore of 71 % .
Not much was known about Washington’sGladiator IIcharacter Macrinus before the film ’s release , creating an air of suspense around whether he would be a friend or foe ofPaul Mescal’sLucius . Macrinus is divulge to be an ex-husband - slave who became a highly lucrative merchandiser with a hidden political agenda and an eye on the throne . Lucius and Macrinus have a thrilling showdown at theend ofGladiator II , which is only one of themany fantastic scenes Macrinus adds to the blockbuster sequel .
Despite The Oscars Snub, Denzel Washington Was Still The Best Part Of Gladiator 2
His Macrinus Character Elevated The Sequel Even In A Supporting Role
bury the lack of award nomination , the factious Rotten Tomatoes scores , and all the commentary aboutGladiator IInot inhabit up to the original – Washington ’s character was the good part of the moving picture .
LikeGladiator’sversion of Littlefinger fromGame of Thrones , Macrinus is misleading and manipulative , making it impossible to take your eyes off him .
Even in a supporting office , Washington command the screen with such a formidable presenceas his eccentric Macrinus snakes his direction to the Roman commode . LikeGladiator’sversion of Littlefinger fromGame of Thrones , Macrinus is shoddy and manipulative , making it unsufferable to take your eyes off him .
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
Washington was an early favourite to deliver the goods Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Oscars , which reach it even more stunning that he give out to find a nomination . Washington is n’t concerned about his Oscars repulse , however , tell in a recent interview , " I ’ve been around too long . I ’m getting wiser , working on talk less and learn to understand more — and that ’s exciting . " He ’s currently preparing to asterisk in a Broadway production of Shakespeare’sOthelloalongside Jake Gyllenhaal .
How Denzel Washington’s Macrinus Improves The Legacy Of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator Movies
Macrinus Stands Beside Gladiator Franchise Icons Maximus & Commodus
While it ’s evident that theGladiatorsequel did n’t strike the box office or critical acclaim of the original movie , it was still an accomplishment base on Washington ’s role as Macrinus . As fourth dimension goes on , viewers will in all likelihood remember his performance in thesame breather as Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix ’s roles before himin the 2000 Oscar - win original .
An overlooked Denzel Washington picture show from the early 1990s offer a rare coup d’oeil at the Academy Award - winning thespian in a amorous dramedy .
Both Mascal and Pedro Pascal give strong performances inGladiator IIbut Washington ’s Macrinus instantly became one of the column of theGladiatorfranchise , which is even more telling see he had a limited use . Washington should have another snapshot at an Oscar - winning operation in Spike Lee ’s upcoming filmHighest 2 Lowest , an version of Akira Kurosawa’sHigh and Low .
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