Film & TV
Who Is Denzel Washington’s Macrinus in ‘Gladiator II’
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.
Film & TV
Peacock To Release a New Docuseries “Tiffany Haddish Goes Off”
Inspired by the film “Girls Trip,” the series follows Tiffany Haddish and her childhood friends on their vacation across the continent of Africa
Three Los Angeles-based screenwriters, Tyrone Perry, Shon Oku, and Joshua Isaacson, filed a lawsuit on July 30, 2025, alleging that Issa Rae-produced “One of Them Days” copied their original screenplay titled “One of Those Days.” The lawsuit claims copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion.
Specifically, the writers allege that there are 29 similarities in character arcs, plot structure, and overall tone between the film and their script. They shared their script with producer Xavier Charles, who had previously worked with Issa Rae on her HBO series, “Insecure.” After Charles declined to produce their project, Rae’s company announced “One of Them Days” shortly thereafter. The lawsuit claims this proximity in timing, coupled with Charles’s connection to Rae, points to unauthorized use of their material.
The released buddy comedy film, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who find themselves in a chaotic race against the clock to avoid eviction.
The central conflict arises when Alyssa’s boyfriend blows their rent money on a bad investment. Faced with the threat of being evicted from their Los Angeles apartment, the duo goes to extreme lengths to find the necessary funds before their landlord’s deadline. The film is filled with comical situations and highlights the strength and quirks of their friendship as they navigate the challenges of their “one of those days” scenario.
To support their claims, the writers hired veteran screenwriter John Brancato, who reviewed both scripts and concluded that the similarities were “substantial”.
The lawsuit names Issa Rae’s company ColorCreative, Sony Pictures, TriStar, and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. It seeks a jury trial, damages, and attorney’s fees. Representatives for Rae and Sony have not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
Film & TV
Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Trailer Drops: Denzel Washington and ASAP Rocky Shine in Thrilling Crime Drama
The highly anticipated trailer for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, dropped today. This marks the duo’s fifth collaboration, a reunion nearly two decades in the making since their last joint project, Inside Man (2006).
The trailer, released by A24 and Apple Original Films, offers a gripping glimpse into a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s music industry. Here’s everything you need to know about the trailer, cast, and what to expect from this electrifying crime thriller.
The Highest 2 Lowest trailer features Denzel Washington as David King, a charismatic music mogul renowned for having the “best ears in the business.” When a ransom plot threatens his empire, King confronts a life-or-death moral dilemma that challenges his values and legacy.
This neo-noir crime thriller also stars A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon, the antagonist who goes “toe-to-toe” with Washington, delivering a performance that Lee has praised as “fire.” The cast is rounded out by Jeffrey Wright as King’s chauffeur, Ilfenesh Hadera as his wife Pam, and Ice Spice in her feature film debut, alongside Dean Winters, LaChanze, and John Douglas Thompson. The trailer also teases original music from A$AP Rocky.
Highest 2 Lowest is a bold reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. While Kurosawa’s original centered on a shoe company executive facing an extortion plot, Lee’s version transplants the story to modern-day New York City, weaving in themes of wealth, power, and moral complexity. The trailer emphasizes Lee’s vibrant, theatrical direction, with vivid visuals captured by cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
Highest 2 Lowest is set for a limited theatrical release on August 15, 2025, through A24, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.
Watch the official trailer below.
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