Denzel Washington has called the upcoming Gladiator II the biggest film he’s ever been a part of in his illustrious career.
Earlier this week, a sizzle reel for the film circulated online, showing scenes from the new movie and a quick interview with Washington, who plays Macrinus, an arms dealer and potential villain, according to Screen Rant. In the teaser, Washington claimed Gladiator II is the biggest film he’s worked on, adding that he couldn’t believe how lifelike the structures were on set.
“I think this is the biggest film I’ve been on,” said Washington. “They built the Colosseum! It’s a ride; it’s a spectacle. Everywhere you turn, you feel like you’re in that world, and I love that.”
Washington’s claim that Gladiator II is the “biggest” film he’s acted in is surprising, given the number of huge movies he’s already starred in. Budget-wise, his “biggest” films to date are the action-thrillers Unstoppable, which was released in 2010, and The Taking of Pelham 123 which released in 2009. Both films had a budget of $100 million.
Following these are 2012’s Safe House with an $85 million budget and 2010’s The Book of Eli with an $80 million budget. Rounding out the list are The Equalizer Part 2 with a $79 million budget and The Equalizer with a $55 million budget.
Gladiator II will also star Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn. An official trailer arrived last month, revealing that the film takes place 20 years after the first and follows the story of Lucius, who becomes a gladiator after the Roman army raids his home.
