Among the many reasons that pique interest in “Gladiator 2” is certainly that of seeing another great performance by Denzel Washington on the big screen.

Recently called "the best film he's ever made" by Ridley Scott , the sequel to the Russell Crowe masterpiece set in ancient Rome will see the African-American star take on the intriguing role of a freed slave turned powerful merchant, determined to use the fearless Lucius - played by Paul Mescal - to help him on his way to glory.

And after all, Washington's cinematic history speaks for itself: receiving his first Oscar nomination back in 1987 for “Cry Freedom,” the star has remained linked over the years to a long and fruitful collaboration with director Spike Lee, giving life to successes such as “Malcolm X.”

In the meantime, he has played roles as diverse as Miller in “Philadelphia,” boxer Rubin Carter in “Hurricane,” and corrupt cop Alonzo Harris, the latter of which earned him the coveted Oscar for best actor. Now approaching seventy and with a filmography studded with successes behind him, Washington hinted at his professional future in an interview with Empire, saying he felt “deeply inspired” by the work done on the set of “Gladiator 2” and revealing that he has thought about retiring from cinema several times.

On this sad eventuality, but also on his excitement for his next film, he said: "I have very few films left to do that interest me, and I have to be inspired by the director, and Ridley has inspired me tremendously. We did a great job the first time and here we are. He's engaged. He's excited about life and his next film. He's an inspiration, we all want to feel that way at 86."

Hinting already last June that he wanted to leave the world of acting, with a statement released during the American Black Film Festival held in Miami Beach, he specified: «The things that are happening to me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera. I think I will spend less and less time in front of the camera». And returning to talk about the experience lived on the set of “Gladiator 2”, he stated with great satisfaction: «It's the best thing I've ever done. One of the best things. I've done a few good ones... it's a brutal and complete action film». . Announced last February, the film will be distributed by A24 and will be inspired by the thriller released in 63 “Anatomy of a Kidnapping”, by the Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. With a screenplay entirely written by Lee, the project will follow the guidelines of the original story: a businessman from Yokohama suffers the kidnapping of his son after taking control of the factory where he works. But during the kidnapping, those responsible will make a mistake that will force the man to make a very risky choice. Last May, the start of filming was announced, in addition to the official confirmation of the presence of Halle Berry in the cast. A significant gamble for the director, who chooses to make yet another remake after the lukewarm reviews received for his “Oldboy” and the cancellation of “The Mothership”.