
*Legendary actor Denzel Washington justifies his decision to use his own accent for “Gladiator II.” In the movie, Washington, 69, is cast as Macrinus, a former slave turned power broker.
In an “Empire Magazine” interview, the actor explained his decision to stick to his accent.
“Well, the thing was, where are we? Whose accent would it be? What does that sound like anyway?” he asked rhetorically. “You’re going to end up imitating someone and end up with a bad African accent.”
The “Gladiator II” trailer arrived 24 years after the original. It’s a collaboration between Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott. Paul Mescal plays the gladiator. As theater-goers eagerly wait for the movie to be released, waves of criticisms have targeted Washington about his accent.
But he has clarified he used his own accent to avoid a poor “imitation” and maintain authenticity in his portrayal.

Critiques aside, Washington’s role in this film is outstanding, even after he recently hinted he may soon retire from acting.
He said there are very few films left for him to make that he is interested in.
“We had a great go-round the first go-round [on ‘American Gangster’], and here we are.” In the near-two-decades since they last worked together, Scott hasn’t lost any of his energy or edge.
“He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” Washington says. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”

He added that for him to be cast in a film, he has to be inspired by the filmmaker.
“I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” he said, explaining why he was cast.
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