Denzel Washington has worked with many directors over his long career, and that includes the legendary Scott brothers, Tony and Ridley. Gladiator II will be the second time Washington has worked with the elder of the two, Ridley, although his list of work under Tony is much more prolific. Although the movie does not need any introduction – as the sequel to 2000’s Gladiator – the belated sequel has put together an outstanding cast, among which Washington’s resume is one of the most impressive.
The beloved Hollywood icon sat down with Empire for their Gladiator II issue and reflected on what it was like reuniting with Ridley Scott for the first time since working with him on American Gangster almost two decades ago. Naturally, this also led to the actor being asked to share how the directors compare to each other. However, Washington wasn’t about to divulge his thoughts on that particular subject, but did give his view on both directors as individual forces of Hollywood. In Washington’s words:
I don’t compare directors. You see the different personalities. I suppose they do [have similarities]. On the days when we’re shooting, I’m busy with what I’m doing. So I’m not comparing this one to that one, but obviously both [Scotts] are [and were] great filmmakers. They can’t miss.
Washington also revealed that his main reason for taking on a role in Gladiator II was to work with Scott again. It seems like there are some things that are just meant to be, and having someone of Washington’s caliber in the movie certainly adds more weight to its already huge Oscar potential.
In What Movies Has Washington Been Directed By the Scott Brothers?
Before his tragic passing in 2012, Tony Scott was Washington’s most frequent collaborator. In fact, he starred in five of the director’s 16 total films, the first being Crimson Tide, back in 1995.
While the younger Scott would make many movies without Washington, including The Fan with Wesley Snipes and Robert De Niro, Enemy of the State with Will Smith and Gene Hackman, and the thriller Spy Game with Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, Washington returned to star in the director’s critically acclaimed Man on Fire. Washington then starred in all three of Scott’s final three movies: Déjá Vu, The Taking of Pelham 123, and Unstoppable.
The Training Day star’s work with Ridley, however, has previously been limited to just the one movie; American Gangster back in 2007. During the 17-year gap, Washington and Scott have had very similar success in their respective professions, and reuniting again for Gladiator II is certain to be another monumental movie in the resume of the two Hollywood icons.
