Gladiator II Star Denzel Washington discussed his thoughts on the historical inaccuracies associated with his character, as the real Macrinus was not black. In the sequel, Macrinus is an ambitious arms dealer, gladiator boss and businessman who uses Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, to hatch his plot in Rome. There are many differences between the real-life Emperor Macrinus and the character played by Denzel Washington in the movie Gladiator II. Most people focus on the fact that the real Macrinus was not black.
during an interview the timesWashington addressed a historical inaccuracy in the sequel in which Macrinus was changed to Blake. Although Washington admitted that the real Macrinus was not black, he believed that there must have been black people in Rome. So he doesn’t think it matters that he doesn’t look exactly like his real-life character. Gladiator II. Read Washington’s full comments below:
I started walking toward the hole, but I’ve done enough biopics that I’m sure people are already saying, “Macrinus wasn’t black!” They’re going to say, “Well, there were no black people in Rome.” Oh really? ? So, how did their skin become so dark? You know, somebody rolled through there. Go call Hannibal. Maybe he did.
What Maclinus’ historical inaccuracies mean for Gladiator 2
Washington’s Macrinus may be the best character of them all Gladiator 2
This article contains major spoilers for Gladiator II. There are several real elements in it Gladiator II. For example, figures such as Macrinus, Geta, and Caracalla all existed in ancient Rome. However, the author’s Gladiator IIDavid Scarpa had to change every aspect of these real-life historical figures so that they could fit into the story Gladiator II. The real-life Macrinus did kill Caracalla and became Roman emperor, but other aspects of Washington’s character differed from the historical figure.
The real Macrinus also ruled Rome for just over a year, while Washington’s character was killed shortly after becoming emperor.
The real Macrinus reportedly never purchased a gladiator. This is a major difference compared to Macrinus Gladiator II Because his relationship with champion gladiator Lucius is one of the most interesting dynamics in the film. Additionally, Macrinus is considered the first emperor who never visited Rome during his reign. Since Macrinus took control of the Senate during his time in Rome Gladiator IIthis is another major change. The real Macrinus also ruled Rome for just over a year, while Washington’s character was killed shortly after becoming emperor.
Our Thoughts on Maclinus’ Historical Mistakes in Gladiator 2
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These differences prove that Scarpa and Ridley Scott had to make a lot of changes to Macrinus to make the character work in Gladiator II story. Still, all of these changes work extremely well in the movie, and the sequel never claims to be a perfect retelling of Roman history. Of all the changes, Macrinus’ skin color is the least worrisome, especially since Washington’s portrayal of the power-hungry Roman emperor is one of the show’s best aspects. Gladiator II.
Source: The Times
“Gladiator 2” is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 award-winning film “Gladiator.” Scott returns to direct the sequel, which stars Paul Mescal as Lucius and Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villainous Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 languished in development hell for years until a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
Release date November 22, 2024
Studios Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment