Denzel Washington spills on filming Gladiator II: ‘I never knew’

Hollywood heavyweight Denzel Washington lifted the lid on filming the long-awaited sequel – and why it was such a different experience for him.

He’s appeared in more than 50 films and won two Oscars (out of 10 nominations), three Golden Globes, and a host of other prestigious awards.

When it comes to Hollywood heavyweights, it doesn’t get much bigger than Denzel Washington - but at this point in his decades-long career, he’d found recently there were “less and less challenges”.

Then the script for the long-awaited sequel to 2000 megahit Gladiator landed in his lap.

Gladiator II returns us to Ancient Rome, but is set 20 years after the original, focusing on a now grown-up Lucius who is forced into slavery after a Roman invasion sees his home destroyed and his wife killed.

Paul Mescal steps into the lead role as Lucius in the long-awaited blockbuster sequel.

Washington as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer and businessman.

One factor clinched Washington’s involvement.

“It was the filmmaker,” the 69-year-old told news.com.au ahead of Gladiator II premiering in Australian cinemas this week, referencing the return of the original’s director, Ridley Scott.

The pair have teamed up in the past – and Washington described him as “one of the best directors” he’s ever worked with.

“He’s brilliant,” the actor declared.

“Ridley and I had great success together with American Gangster … so when he called me, I said yes. Whatever it was, I was going to do it. Because it’s him.”

There was also a complexity to Washington’s character, wealthy powerbroker Macrinus, which attracted him to Gladiator II.

“It’s more of a testament to the way the film was put together … I bring what I try to bring to it, but I never know. One never knows. I never knew what [Scott] was going to use.”

The actor described director Ridley Scott as “brilliant’.

The Oscar-winning actor’s decision to sign on saw him cast alongside 28-year-old Paul Mescal.

His career has gone from strength to strength in recent years, but is about to explode into global superstardom thanks to his lead role as Lucius in the blockbuster drama.

The Irish star admitted in an interview with GQ earlier this year that he’d been “incapacitated” with fear when he realised he’d have to perform alongside Washington.

It’s something he was clearly able to overcome, and as Washington told news.com.au: “It looked like it worked out all right!”

With a CV of films beloved by millions (Remember the Titans, Malcolm X, Training Day – I could go on for some time), you’d think it would be hard for Washington to pinpoint his most proud career moment.

But it’s not – and his answer is probably not what you’d expect.

“The Piano Lesson,” Washington declared firmly, naming the drama he served as a producer on, which was released on Netflix just a few weeks ago.

“My son [Malcolm Washington] directed The Piano Lesson … I’m extremely proud of the work he did.”

Gladiator II hits cinemas on Thursday, November 14.