Denzel Washington's role as Macrinus in 'Gladiator II' is one of his best and most entertaining ever, and also a villain role like he's never played before.

Denzel Washington absolutely runs off with "Gladiator II" as scheming Roman power broker Macrinus, a former slave whose end game is to become the new emperor. It's one of the two-time Oscar winner's best performances in his nearly 40-year career and one where he gets a chance to go as big as he did in "Training Day.

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

Paul Mescal stars as Lucius in the followup to 2000’s Gladiator. He becomes a gladiator and competes in the Colosseum under the training of Macrinus (Washington). It’s important to note that Pedro Pascal also appears in the film as Marcus Acacius, who is the main antagonist throughout the film.

Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II debuted domestically this weekend and it's already one of Denzel Washington's highest-grossing movies.

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.

Very few actors have a resume as impressive and wide ranging as Denzel Washington. Since he hasn’t been in a giant franchise…yet, his box office numbers aren’t as big as some of his contemporaries. However,

With the release of Gladiator II, take a look at Denzel Washington’s remarkable career, showcasing his incredible range across diverse roles.