Gladiator 2: Denzel Washington’s Character, Explained

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Gladiator 2: Denzel Washington's Character, Explained

As a die-hard fan of historical epics, I’ve seen my fair share of gladiator movies, but none have left me as captivated as Ridley Scott’s original Gladiator. So, when I heard about the sequel, Gladiator II, I was thrilled beyond belief! The teaser trailers have been tantalizingly vague, but one character that has piqued my curiosity is Denzel Washington’s Macrinus.

Gladiator II, set to grace the big screen in November 2024, delves into events following the first movie, where Maximus Decimus Meridius ascended to the Elysian fields. The sequel revolves around Lucius (Paul Mescal), a peaceful inhabitant outside the Roman Empire, whose life is abruptly entwined with Rome when he’s unwillingly drawn into it. This film is inspired by real-life characters Marcus Aurelius and Lucilla, who are Lucius’ grandfather and mother respectively.

As I immerse myself in the world of Gladiator, I find myself not only embodying Lucius but also interacting with an array of captivating characters, brought to life by some incredibly gifted actors. One such character is Denzel Washington’s Macrinus. Despite Ridley Scott keeping the details of the sequel under wraps, we all know that Lucius will tread a path similar to Maximus, becoming a gladiator. Unlike the noble Commodus, whom Maximus once fought for, Macrinus appears to be more of an antagonist.

Macrinus, Explained

Gladiator 2: Denzel Washington's Character, Explained

In the upcoming sequel to “Gladiator,” I find myself in the shoes of Macrinus, a notorious arms dealer and business magnate, whose influence echoes across the vast Roman Empire. Known for my role in provisioning the armies with essentials like food and weaponry, I also maintain a secret stable of gladiators on the side. Rumors abound that Director Ridley Scott has hinted at Macrinus’ cruelty, particularly towards his gladiatorial stable. If these whispers are true, it seems we’re in for a film brimming with villains – an ominous portrayal that might just reflect the darker realities of Ancient Rome.

It’s common knowledge that Fred Hechinger portrays Emperor Caracalla and Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in this production. Both these emperors are likely to act as adversaries, vying for control over Roman general Acacius, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. It’s also certain that Washington’s character, Macrinus, will be a charming, influential figure with the power to achieve his goals. In conversation with Vanity Fair, Scott discussed Washington’s role, highlighting Macrinus as a smooth and persuasive individual.

Denzel isn’t just an ordinary businessman; he provides essential supplies for European armies, including food, wine, oil, steel, weapons like spears and cannons, and even catapults. Consequently, he’s quite affluent. Instead of owning racehorses, his wealth is reflected in a stable filled with gladiators, symbolizing his power and influence.

In essence, just as Ridley Scott’s original ‘Gladiator’ film was only somewhat faithful to actual historical events, it’s reasonable to expect a similar level of adaptation for ‘Gladiator II’. Unfortunately, our understanding of the character Macrinus is limited to what we’ve seen in trailers and what Scott has shared about him. Until the movie premieres, fans can only guess based on information found in history books.

Was Macrinus a Real Person?

Macrinus, a figure in Roman history, was unlike the character played by Denzel Washington in “Gladiator II.” Unlike most emperors of ancient Rome who were either chosen by the senate or belonged to noble families, Macrinus rose to power through a different route. He was actually appointed emperor by his own military forces, rather than the senatorial class.

Prior to his appointment as Praetorian Prefect under Emperor Caracalla (portrayed by Fred Hechinger in “Gladiator II”), this individual was a legal professional. His proficiency in law drew attention and aided him in building political reputation. In his role as Praetorian Prefect, he is said to have plotted against Caracalla and allegedly orchestrated his assassination during negotiations with the Parthians, which currently corresponds to Iran.

Not long after Caracalla’s demise, the military chose Macrinus as the ruler of the entire empire. Macrinus continued Caracalla’s initiatives with the Parthians, culminating in a peace treaty that was decidedly unfavorable to Rome. During his brief reign as emperor (217-218 C.E.), Macrinus made numerous questionable choices and policies, such as reducing soldiers’ pay and keeping them stationed in Syria instead of sending them back home. His subjects disliked him, and he was emperor for just one year.

1. Due to his unpopular decisions and a rumor that Caracalla had a son, his own troops rebelled against him. As he tried to escape to Italy (a place he had never visited before), he was captured and put to death. At this time, the Gallic Third Legion declared Elagabalus as the new emperor of Rome, who was allegedly Caracalla’s son.

Was Macrinus in the First Gladiator Movie?

It is important to note that Denzel Washington did not appear in the original “Gladiator” movie. This is because the character Macrinus, whom Denzel Washington portrays in the sequel, was never present in the first film. In reality, during the time period of the original film, Macrinus would have been working as a lawyer instead. For historical accuracy, it should be mentioned that by the end of Marcus Aurelius’s reign in 180 C.E., Macrinus would have only been 16 years old.

In the film, Macrinus might have been engaging in illicit activities to enhance his reputation as a successful businessman even during the events of the original “Gladiator.” Due to shorter lifespans and earlier maturity rates back then compared to modern times, people tended to mature faster. The storyline unfolds partially in Zuccabar, not far from Numidia where Lucius resides at the beginning of the sequel. It’s possible that Macrinus was associating with Proximo (Oliver Reed), helping manage the gladiators and learning the trade. There’s a chance Washington’s character crossed paths with Crowe’s at some point.

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2024-08-25 23:04