The highly anticipated premiere of the upcoming sequel to Gladiator is fast approaching, and Paramount just released a second trailer for the historical action film (you can watch it below). It further introduces characters new to the franchise, including Denzel Washington‘s Macrinus who is based on a real person. So, who was he, and what should we know about the real-life Macrinus? Before we dive in, let’s briefly look at ‘Gladiator II’ official synopsis. It reads,

Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Who was Macrinus IRL?

Macrinus reigned as the emperor of Rome from 217 to 218 AD. To obtain the most influential title in Rome, he conspired against Emperor Caracalla and effectively carried out his assassination. However, he only ruled for a year before he was executed following a coup led by Caracalla’s aunt—the events of ‘Gladiator II’ predate that period of history.

Pre-emperor Macrinus

Even before becoming a Roman emperor, Macrinus was a man of great influence. He held a high office position under Emperor Septimius Severus and later under his son, Emperor Caracalla (played by Fred Hechinger in Gladiator II). This is most likely the point at which viewers will meet these characters.

Macrinus and gladiator Lucius

Judging by the trailer, Washington’s Macrinus will become very invested in Paul Mescal’s gladiator character, Lucius – the son of Lucilla and General Maximus from the original Gladiator. “You will be my instrument,” Macrinus tells Lucius. “You have something. I knew it from the start. That rage is your gift.”

Director Ridley Scott on Washington’s Macrinus

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Ridley Scott shared some critical details about Washington’s Macrinus. He said:

“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. He’s beautiful. He drives a golden Ferrari. I got him a gold-plated chariot.”

‘Gladiator II’ will be released in theaters on November 22, 2024. Watch the latest trailer below.

Hulu is gearing up to deliver a spine-chilling treat with the trailer release for ‘Mr. Crocket,’ a horror movie set to premiere on October 11, 2024. Brandon Espy, known for his work in horror, directed the film, which expands on a 2022 short film of the same name.

Set in the 90s, the film delves into the dark, twisted psyche of a children’s show host named Mr. Crocket, who transcends the boundaries of television to commit heinous acts. If you thought your childhood TV shows were safe, think again! This isn’t your typical “let’s watch cartoons on a Saturday morning” vibe; this is a straight-up, heart-pounding horror set to make you question every kids’ show you ever loved. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming horror feature.

‘Mr. Crocket’ transports viewers back to 1993, where the line between children’s entertainment and horror blurs terrifyingly. The film’s premise revolves around Mr. Crocket, a seemingly benign children’s show host, who emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. One mother whose child gets kidnapped by the sinister host embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her son.

The newly released trailer showcases eerie scenes of children watching their favorite show, only for the television to become a portal for Mr. Crocket’s sinister escapades. The visual style hints at a blend of nostalgia for ’90s aesthetics with modern horror techniques.

The horror flick’s cast includes Jerrika Hinton, Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd, and Alex Akpobome.

‘Mr. Crocket’ is part of Hulu’s Huluween lineup, a tradition where the streaming service releases horror content to celebrate the Halloween season. This year’s horror titles also include up-and-comer Justin Harding’s ‘Carved’ and Karrie Crouse and Will Joines’ ‘Hold Your Breath’ starring  Sarah Paulson.

Halle Berry steps into the chilling world of horror with her latest film, ‘Never Let Go,’ directed by the acclaimed Alexandre Aja (‘Crawl,’ ‘The Hills Have Eyes’).

Set for release on September 20, 2024, this psychological thriller/horror film promises to delve into themes of survival, motherhood, and the supernatural, showcasing Berry’s versatility as an actress.

‘Never Let Go’ introduces audiences to a post-apocalyptic scenario where an evil force has taken over the world outside a family’s doorstep. Berry plays a mother whose only protection for her twin sons is their home and the sacred bond they share. This bond is not just metaphorical; the family literally tethers themselves together with ropes, a survival tactic to ensure they never let go of each other, physically or metaphorically. The film’s intensity escalates when skepticism about the evil’s existence creeps in, threatening to break this protective bond.

The narrative, rich with suspense, explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her children, set against a backdrop of supernatural horror. Berry’s performance, as described in various previews, captures the essence of motherhood under siege, blending raw emotion with the survival instincts of a mother in a world turned hostile. Her character’s dedication to her sons, teaching them survival skills like hunting, underscores the film’s theme of familial protection amidst chaos.

‘Never Let Go’ marks Berry’s return to the horror genre and promises to deliver a gripping tale under Aja’s direction, who is known for his work in the horror and thriller genres.

Watch the trailer below.