The director explains the backstory behind Washington's scene-stealing character, and how he's not unlike the President-elect.

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, Pedro Pascal plays Gen. Acacius and Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in “Gladiator II.” To select his gladiators, Macrinus leans into their rage. Not only does Macrinus look for that rage in the potential gladiators he purchases, but the former gladiator also stokes it.

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.