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Denzel Washington is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors who has graced the silver screen with many acclaimed performances to his credit. The actor has played heroic characters for most of his career in impressive films such asMo’ Better Blues, Philadelphia, Courage Under Fire,andGlorywinning an Oscar for the latter.
His second Oscar win for Best Actor came with his antagonistic turn as Alonzo in Antoine Fuqua’sTraining Day. Washington had never played a sleazy and morally complicated character like Alonzo before. However, he was vying to play one much before that film and one such antagonistic performance that he was envious of was of Don Cheadle inDevil in a Blue Dress.
Don Cheadle’s Meaty Role Made Denzel Washington Question His Choices
Denzel Washington andDon Cheadlestarred in the 1995 neo-noir mystery filmDevil in a Blue Dress.Washington played Easy Rawlins, a World War II veteran who investigates the mysterious disappearance of a woman. Cheadle played Mouse, the main antagonist, and his character became the standout of the film.
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Up to that point, Washington had majorly played heroic and selfless characters in films likeGlory, Malcolm X, Crimson Tide,etc. Playing an antagonist was something that he was open to doing. However, when he saw what Cheadle did with Mouse inDevil in a Blue Dress, he started to believe that he chose the wrong part to play in the film.
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In an interview withUPI, Washington revealed that he grew envious of Cheadle’s character in the film. He believed that Cheadle got the good part, and stated that no one approached him to play bad guys in films. The actor hoped that people would start offering him meaty antagonistic roles just like Cheadle inDevil in a Blue Dress. Washington said,
I was talking earlier about Devil in a Blue Dress and that’s when I really realized that Don Cheadle’s character, Mouse… I was like ‘Man, I’m playing the wrong part.’ He’s got the good part and nobody’s ever asked me to play the bad guy. I guess they don’t look at me that way. Maybe they will now.
Antoine Fuqua would cast Washington in the role of a lifetime as the despicable Alonzo inTraining Day.His fantastic performance as the character won him the Oscar for Best Actor. The actor went on to shine playing more morally gray characters in films likeAmerican Gangster, Flight, andFences.
Ridley Scott Teases Denzel Washington’s Complex Role inGladiator 2
Ridley Scott andDenzel Washingtonare reuniting after 2007’sAmerican Gangsterfor the upcoming historical dramaGladiator II. The film is a sequel to the 2001 Oscar-winning filmGladiatorand will focus on the life of Lucius after the events of the film, played by Paul Mescal. Scott talked to Total Film magazine about Washington’s role in the film.
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The director revealed that Washington’s character is a former slave-turned-wealthy man who managed to earn his freedom. The character has a lot of grudge against the emperors of the past and the film will explore his character with great depth. Scott lovingly called Washington a golden dust while expressing his admiration for the actor. The director said (viaGamesRadar),
As for Denzel’s character… There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive. That was the deal. So we went right into that, in-depth. Where did he come from? How was he taken?
He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that’s how he comes into the story. He’s a rich guy who’s still carrying a grudge. I respect Denzel Washington tremendously. I shouldn’t call Denzel a golden oldie – he’d fucking kill me – but he’s gold dust
The sequel is set many years after the first film (about 15-20 years). In addition to Washington, the film will also star Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, May Calamawy, and Derek Jacobi.Gladiator IIwill hit theatres on July 18, 2025.
Fans can watch/rentDevil in a Blue Dresson Apple TV+.
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
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Denzel WashingtonDon Cheadle
