If you thought Denzel Washington’s hoop earring held power, you might be onto something. The power of wardrobe is undeniable and it helped Denzel get into character for the upcoming Gladiator II film.

Denzel Washington began the press tour for his highly anticipated role in Gladiator II. The film premiered to select audiences and it is already being called excellent by critics. Washington’s performance is also being hailed as Oscar-worthy. The Oscar-winning actor said pouring himself into the character was easy once he “put the clothes on and start talking.”

“I’m serious,” he said at a Los Angeles screening on Friday, Oct. 18. “What Ridley did, which was great, is he built Rome… When we would walk around, you were in Rome [with] 10,000 extras and horses. I mean, it was make-believe, it was play.”

During the talkback, Washington also revealed he was inspired by the movie set that resembled the Colosseum. “When you would walk around, you were in Rome, and it seemed like 10,000 extras and horses. It was make-believe, it was play, it was fun; just put the gear on, put the dress on and go, that’s the way I look at it. I’m putting this dress on, these rings, and I’m going crazy.”

Fans were intrigued by Denzel’s appearance in the epic trailer, noting his Roman swag was top-notch and added value to the blockbuster follow-up.

denzel’s got his lil earring on again — we are in BUSINESS https://t.co/4byq8BYlx3

— khlo (@khlo_alexandria) July 1, 2024

Washinton brings to life the conniving Macrinus, a former slave turned arms dealer and gladiator whisper of sorts. “He’s a product of his environment,” the masterful actor explained. He added, “He used his mother, he used his own children. He’d already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left. But he’s in bed with the devil.”

In other Denzel Washington news, the beloved actor recently checked an impatient photog outside the NYC Museum of Modern Art on Wednesday, where he was set to honor Sam Jackson. It’s unknown what caused Washington’s reaction.

Watch the trailer for Gladiator II, below:

Gladiator II hits theaters November 22.

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