Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal at Gladiator II Premiere

Ridley Scott's long-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II, is set to release on November 22, featuring Denzel Washington as Macrinus and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius. At the London premiere, Washington humorously claimed Pascal isn't as good an actor as him, joking that the film's title should be changed to 'Pedro I' to honor Pascal's star status. Their playful banter included Washington's quip about their friendship, stating, 'I wouldn't call him a friend,' which elicited laughter and disbelief from Pascal. The film explores a new generation of characters while Washington's character seeks power in Ancient Rome, a theme echoed in modern business. Washington's performance has already garnered praise, and he reflected on the historical accuracy of the film in interviews, emphasizing the importance of embodying his role.