Ridley Scott weaponizes the once-in-a-lifetime theatrical talents of Denzel Washington to organize the Shakespearean downfall of Ancient Rome .

In a world of political backstabbing, power and ambition, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus enters the arena in Ridley Scott ’s “ Gladiator II” with troops and guards under a canopy. He reeks of wealth and oozes power. The role has been a favorite of fans and critics, and Washington is earning some serious Oscar buzz.

Denzel Washington absolutely runs off with "Gladiator II" as scheming Roman power broker Macrinus, a former slave whose end game is to become the new emperor. It's one of the two-time Oscar winner's best performances in his nearly 40-year career and one where he gets a chance to go as big as he did in "Training Day.

Hollywood rarely gets a sequel right, but Gladiator 2 might be the exception, and for one simple reason: Denzel Washington. The two-time Oscar winner has teamed

Director Ridley Scott returns to the site of one of his greatest triumphs with a belated sequel that follows the same beats, giving Denzel Washington a forum to scheme.

This week Gladiator II arrives in theaters and we spoke with one of the film’s most iconic actors, Denzel Washington about his role in the project as well as his work bringing August Wilson’s plays to screen.

Very few actors have a resume as impressive and wide ranging as Denzel Washington. Since he hasn’t been in a giant franchise…yet, his box office numbers aren’t as big as some of his contemporaries. However,