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.

In a recent interview with A24, Brandy Norwood has expressed her desire for Halle Bailey, one-half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, to portray her in a potential biopic.

Brandy, known for her iconic roles in shows like ‘Moesha’ and her groundbreaking portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 television movie, has always been a trailblazer in the industry. Bailey, who herself broke barriers by starring as Ariel in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid,’ seems like a poetic passing of the torch.

From her early days in music to her transition into acting, Brandy’s life story is rich with material for a compelling biopic. Bailey, with her rising star power and proven vocal and acting chops, seems poised to capture the essence of Brandy’s spirit and struggle.

The announcement has sparked a wave of support on platforms like X, where fans have praised the potential casting. “Legendary Brandy chooses Halle Bailey to star in her biopic! A perfect pick, as Halle’s talent and charisma would bring Brandy’s inspiring story to life in an unforgettable way,” commented one X user.

The decision to cast Bailey as Brandy would be more than just a casting choice; it would be a celebration of legacy and representation. Both Brandy and Halle have been vocal about the importance of representation in media. This potential collaboration between Brandy and Bailey could mark another chapter in Hollywood’s evolving landscape, where stories of Black women are not just told but celebrated, challenging and changing the narratives available to young audiences worldwide.

During the international jury photocall on Thursday, Lupita Nyong’o was photographed wearing a grey Boss suit and a gorgeous  Lafalaise Dion cowrie shell headpiece. This was an important fashion statement. Here is why.

The Oscar-winning actress was invited to serve as this year’s head of the Berlin International Film Festival jury. She became the first Black jury president to oversee the annual film showcase event in its 74-year history. Also known as the Berlinale, the festival is one of the five largest in the world, along with the Toronto, Cannes, Venice, and Sundance film festivals.

The ‘Black Panther’ star expressed her excitement to take on the role in an Instagram post, “Let the festivities begin!” she wrote, “I’m so honored to be this year’s @berlinale Jury President and look forward to celebrating one of the things I love most: cinema!”

As the jury president, Nyong’o is expected to lead the jury in selecting the films to award in the two main categories – Golden and Silver Bears.

Film festivals continue to face criticism for lacking diversity on their juries. The Berlinale directors are moving in the right direction by bringing someone like Nyong’o on board, who is a true champion for diversity and inclusion.

Nyong’o opted for a minimalist and simple Boss suit for last week’s jury photocall. She completed the look with a beautiful cowrie shell headpiece created by Côte d’Ivoire designer Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise, the self-crowned ‘Queen of Cowries.’ These particular shells represent wealth, prosperity, and fertility. By wearing the unique piece, the Kenyan-born and Mexican-raised star paid homage to her African roots on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Dion, who crafted the headpiece, also expressed gratitude, as her creation is now officially a part of Berlin Film Festival history. She wrote in an Instagram post –

“…At this pivotal occasion, Queen Lupita Nyong’o proudly embraces her heritage, gracing the world once again with the iconic crown crafted by Lafalaise Dion.
Her journey to this moment serves as a beacon of inspiration, resonating deeply within our hearts and souls. We are humbled and honored to stand alongside her as she etches her name in the annals of cinematic history.”

The festival is scheduled to run until February 25, when the jury announces the winning films in the major categories.