‘Gladiator II’ director compares Denzel Washington’s character to Trump: ‘A intelligent gangster’

Ridley Scott, the director of “Gladiator II,” stated throughout an interview that Denzel Washington’s character within the film, Marcinus, was much like President-elect Trump. 

“[Macrinus] was a prisoner of warfare — most likely at a North African state — and really was taken to Rome most likely as a gladiator. Survived. Obtained free. Obtained into the enterprise of perhaps making wine and bread. He advanced into a really wealthy service provider promoting s— to the Roman armies — meals, oil, wine, fabric, weapons, all the pieces. He perhaps had one million males unfold round Europe. So he was a billionaire on the time, so why wouldn’t he [have ambitions toward the throne]? ‘Why not me?’ He’s additionally a gangster — very near Trump. A intelligent gangster. He creates chaos and from chaos he can evolve,” Scott informed The Hollywood Reporter.

“Gladiator II” hit theaters on Friday and in addition stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger. 

“He’s attempting to make use of all people. He’d use his mom, he’d use his personal kids; he’s already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left. He’s in mattress with the satan,” Washington informed the outlet about his character. 

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 20: Director Ridley Scott attends the “Napoleon” premiere on the El Prado Museum on November 20, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Picture by Borja B. Hojas/WireImage) ((Picture by Borja B. Hojas/WireImage))

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The Hollywood Reporter additionally requested Scott about the way it was working with Washington. 

“We had been proper in the course of Harlem and Denzel was like, ‘Are you aware what you’re doing?’ ‘After all I do know what the f— I’m doing.’ ‘Are you aware about this music?’ ‘After all I do.’ As soon as he noticed I knew what I used to be doing, he was very candy. With [Gladiator II], I feel he was a bit shocked by the dimensions. How may he not be? After all, I’m used to it,” Scott responded. 

Washington just lately opened up about his sobriety throughout an interview with Esquire. He revealed he was consuming two bottles of win a day. 

“Wine may be very tough. It’s very gradual. It ain’t like, growth, swiftly,” Washington stated. “And a part of it was, we constructed this massive home in 1999 with a ten,000-bottle wine cellar, and I discovered to drink one of the best. So, I’m going to drink my ’61s and my ’82s and no matter we had. Wine was my factor, and now I used to be popping $4,000 bottles simply because that’s what was left.”

Actor Denzel Washington, who performs Macbeth within the movie, arrives on the premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” on the DGA Theater on Thursday, Dec. 18, in Los Angeles. (Picture by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

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Through the “Gladiator II” premiere, Washington had a notable encounter with King Charles, because the solid members all met with him.

“I didn’t know if I used to be speculated to seize your hand or not,” Washington smiled as he gave Charles a handshake.

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Fox Information’ Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.