Ridley Scott offers his reflection on working withDenzel Washington. Scott is a director known for his historical epics, among other films, which include sci-fi hits such asBlade RunnerandAlien. After helmingNapoleonlast year, Scott directs theupcoming filmGladiator II, which is set to release on November 22. Washington plays a key role in theGladiator IIcast, taking on the part of Macrinus. In addition to Washington, the film features a leading cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Speaking withThe Hollywood Reporter,Scott reflects on his time working with Washington. The director explains that the pair had already worked together onAmerican Gangster. Washington reportedly questioned Scott on that set, wondering “do you know what you’re doing?” Once the actor warmed up to Scott, however, he was “very sweet.” ForGladiator II, Washington was apparently “shocked by the scale” of the film. Scott then goes on to detail that production information, which included “1,200 personnel.” Check out the full quote from Scott below:
Well, we’ve done one already, American Gangster. That’s actually one of my favorite movies. We were right in the middle of Harlem and Denzel was like, “Do you know what you’re doing?” “Of course I know what the fuck I’m doing.” “Do you know about this music?” “Of course I do.” Once he saw I knew what I was doing, he was very sweet. With [Gladiator II], I think he was a bit shocked by the scale. How could he not be? Of course, I’m used to it.
My unit was 1,200 personnel and you run it like an army. You have to. One of the first things I said to Paul was, “This is all for you. Ignore them all. you may’t be frightened. They’re here to help you.” Then I walk in knowing exactly what I’m doing that day. Every morning around a table we’re all, “We’re doing that, that, that — any problems?” I use eight-to-eleven cameras, which means we’re moving eight-to-eleven times faster.
What This Means For Gladiator II
Gladiator II’s Scale Is Impressive
One of the key elements of Scott’s quote is the reminder that he and Washington are not new to their collaboration. Rather,their connection started withAmerican Gangster, which was released in 2007. Co-starringGladiatoractor Russell Crowe,American Gangstertold the story of a New York City cop who attempts to take down the Harlem-based drug lord Frank Lucas. The film was well-acclaimed and earned two Oscar nominations.Gladiator IIwill be the return of the actor-director pair after over a decade.
Gladiator 2 Cast & Character Guide
The Gladiator sequel boasts a cast of characters both old and new, with actors from Stranger Things and The Mandalorian joining the epic story.
The note aboutGladiator II’s scale is also important to the film. In apromotional trailer forGladiator II,Washington had previously noted how impressed he was with the massive size of the production. In this video, the actor specifically cited the rebuilding of the Colosseum as one of the film’s most impressive assets. The huge scale of this set can be made to feel even more exhilarating with the use of “eight-to-eleven cameras,” which can giveGladiator IIa sense of momentum that will be great for the action movie.
Our Take On Washington & Scott’s Relationship
The Pair’s Relationship Could Improve Gladiator II
Scott’s quote is a great reminder of just how much of a starWashington is in the industry. Even though Scott was an acclaimed director back in 2007, Washington still took his time to build trust in the director. The Oscar winner is a world-class performer, so it makes sense that he would expect similar prowess from those who direct him. From the sounds of it, however, Scott has proven himself toWashington, making the director-actor combo even stronger going intoGladiator II.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
