The veteran Hollywood star plays Macrinus, a former slave turned wealthy, conniving arms dealer, in the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster original film.

“I didn’t go back to watch the first movie. I didn’t want to be associated with it. I saw the first movie years ago. So I didn’t want to watch it,” Washington told PTI virtually. Interview from London.

In “Gladiator II,” Scott brings back the epic gladiatorial battles made famous in “Gladiator,” the classic that won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.

Washington, 69, previously worked with Scott on the director’s 2007 “American Gangster,” which also co-starred Crowe.

Washington said, “Ridley Scott first, last and always.”

The actor said, “He called and I said yes. He’s one of my favorite directors I work with… him and his brother. But when he called, I said yes. It was that simple. Is.”

Asked if he enjoyed playing a bad guy again after his Oscar-winning role in “Training Day,” where he plays a corrupt narcotics officer, Washington said, “Absolutely. You know That the bad guys have all the fun till the end.”

“Gladiator II” stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger as well as Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi, who reprise their roles from the first part.

While “Gladiator” focused on Maximus, the sequel takes place several years later and centers around Lucius of Mescal, the son of Maximus and Lucilla.

Exiled at a young age, Lucius’ home is invaded by the Roman Empire and he becomes a gladiator in the Colosseum, with the hope of one day avenging his family’s death. In Washington’s role as Macrinus he plays a gladiator ‘master’ who sees Lucius as a vital instrument in his plan to overthrow Rome’s young emperor twins Caracalla and Geta.

Washington, who won his first Oscar, a Best Supporting Actor trophy, for playing an American Civil War soldier in the war drama “Glory,” said he did not discuss the character much with Scott before working on the film.

“He leaves me alone and I kind of do my thing. This movie was huge. He had 10-15 million things going on at the same time. So, he kind of left me alone to my own devices. Left and that was that,” Washington said.

He was a frequent collaborator of the late Tony Scott on films such as “Crimson Tide”, “Man on Fire”, “The Taking of Pelham 123” and “Unstoppable”.

Washington had words of praise for Mescal, who took a big leap in her career with “Gladiator II” after her breakout role in the series “Normal People” and her Oscar-nominated role in the independent film “Aftersun.”

“That, Fred, those guys are the future. A pair of shoes or sandals to wear is tough. And, obviously Russell did a great job years ago. And this young boy, really, he makes it .So I’m happy for him and proud of him,” Washington said.

Washington, one of the most renowned actors of his generation, has made notable appearances in “Cry Freedom”, “Philadelphia”, “Remember the Titans” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, as well as the three “Equalizer” films. ,

However, he said he would not describe himself as a “big film guy” at this point in his life.

Washington also remembers her time working in Mira Nair’s 1991 romance drama “Mississippi Masala.”

He said of that film, “We had a great time together… It was a while ago. I don’t remember everything, but we had a great time together.” By Sarita Chaudhary and an African American man.

Asked what his criteria were for choosing a project at this stage of life, Washington said, “The filmmaker and the screenplay. Had some interesting conversations with some great filmmakers. Can’t talk about it right now, But there are some good opportunities in there for me.” The next few years.”

“Gladiator II” will be released in India by Paramount Pictures India on November 15 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in 4DX and IMAX.

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