You could toss a coin and either side may fall on Denzil Washington. After more than six decades, this American still holds sway over the world, its people, and its culture. Yet, that was not how I pictured him as a young boy watching him move from TV’s Wilma to the big screen’s Carbon Copy (1981).
Back then, we were overjoyed to see the young Afro-American stealing the show. Not even my dad, ever dreamed that Washington would reach this far. Once, when we were rewatching Glory(1989), we had to pause the cassette while my Dad took a call. However, he did predict that “he’s gonna take all the Grammys.”
Denzil Washington – The Roman Arms Dealer
Recently, Vanity Fair released new updates on the upcoming sequel Gladiator 2, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Fred Hechinger, and Joseph Quinn. There was not enough space for chatter. However, according to the Hindustan Times, the high point that garnered more comments was Washington’s role as a wealthy, Roman trader who raised gladiators instead of horses.
The article stated that “even as fans enthusiastically reacted to the first images of Gladiator 2, it was one look at Denzel Washington’s character that garnered the maximum attention.” The actor’s role in the upcoming film sparked an educative debate on Vanity Fair.
Notably, the reaction came in response to director Ridley Scott stating, “Denzel is an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, supplies wine and oil, makes steel, makes spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. So he is a very wealthy man. Instead of having a stable of racehorses, he has a stable of gladiators.”
As expected not everyone was supportive of the move with one user questioning black folk in Roman history. “Black Roman Imperator? Ahshhahahahhah Great job woke historians,” read a comment. Another said, “What in the woke is that casting? Can you leave period movies out of all this please??”
However, another user was quick to defend Wahington, giving a short history lesson. “lol this comment section ain’t it: first, no Denzel is not even playing an emperor here, he’s playing a wealthy merchant, and secondly, for god’s sake THERE WAS A BLACK EMPEROR: Septimus Severus. Google is free people.”
Washington will continue to impress the world and its people. He’ll always be there whether it be his healthy habit, humility, or the big screen.
